IOCC Announces $1 Million Fundraising Goal for Hurricane Response – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Baltimore, MD. (October 14, 2024) — With the generous support of our donors, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) announces a fundraising goal of $1 million to help those affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States as a Category 4 hurricane on September 27, causing intense flooding and storm surge in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and causing additional damage to Virginia and West Virginia. Damage was particularly severe in western North Carolina, where many roads and highways were severely damaged or destroyed, leaving communities without support. The full extent of Helene’s impact is still being assessed, as are the immediate needs on the ground.

Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane on October 9, causing storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes in the central part of the state. Search and rescue efforts are underway in seriously affected areas and damage assessments are underway.

In anticipation of a widespread emergency response, IOCC has staff, volunteers and equipment ready for immediate action as soon as it is safe to begin work. IOCC is coordinating with partners and counterparts in affected states. IOCC Frontliners, professionals trained to provide emotional and spiritual care in the midst of disasters and trauma, are ready to deploy.

Team leaders are currently in the field conducting needs assessments, determining areas of greatest need. The initial 6-month response will include cleaning up storm and water damage, cleaning homes and removing debris, as well as providing emotional and spiritual care to those affected. Over the next 18 months, IOCC will be committed to critical home repairs, providing construction materials and supplies, and labor through our vast network of volunteer teams.

“As our IOCC assessment team travels throughout the Southeast, we have seen how widespread and severe the devastation has been. First responders continue rescue operations in many areas where the situation remains critical,” said U.S. Archdeacon Paul Zaharas. “Based on needs assessments, we are committed to not only helping with the cleanup, but also long-term recovery activities in the coming months and years.”

Since 2001, IOCC has responded to numerous disasters in the United States, including Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Hurricane Ida in 2021, and Hurricane Ian in 2022. In addition to emotional and spiritual care, IOCC has provided emergency food and non-food items, dirt. assistance, cleaning kits and generators in affected areas. The IOCC continues long-term recovery work in states affected by these hurricanes.

Those who would like to support IOCC’s $1 million fundraising goal in response to the recent hurricanes, whether through donations or volunteering, can visit iocc.org/hurricanes24 for more information.

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is the humanitarian relief and development agency of the Assembly of Canonical Bishops of the United States of America. Since its creation in 1992, the IOCC has provided more than $830 million in humanitarian aid and sustainable development programs in more than 60 countries around the world. Today, IOCC applies its experience in humanitarian response to natural and man-made crises in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the United States, offering assistance based solely on needs. Learn more at iocc.org and follow us @IOCCRelief on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

Photo: IOCC.