Lutheran Services of Georgia Begins Long-Term Disaster Recovery Work Following Hurricane Irma

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, May 29th, 2018

Lutheran Services of Georgia was recently awarded a grant of $698,000 from Lutheran Disaster Response for a 30-month Hurricane Irma disaster response program in coastal Georgia areas.  This funding will allow LSG to assist Irma victims who have unmet needs following the 2017 disaster. LSG’s long-term recovery work will include assisting and managing home repairs and construction and assessing each family’s or individual’s comprehensive needs and ensuring those needs are met.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to assist with the financial, spiritual, emotional and physical needs of families and individuals who are dealing with the long-term effects of Hurricane Irma,” says John Moeller, CEO, Lutheran Services of Georgia.  “This grant allows LSG the chance to expand our disaster recovery work, using our strong case management and volunteer management expertise to help Georgians whose lives continue to be disrupted following this devastating storm.  Our goal is to help them return to a place where they are thriving.”

The disaster recovery work will be directed towards victims who have inadequate insurance to cover repairs and other needs and lack personal resources to depend on for support.  Emphasis will be placed on those in Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh counties. To accomplish these activities, LSG will use its disaster response staff and case managers, while organizing and utilizing volunteer groups and collaborating with local community partners.

LSG will work with FEMA, Long Term Recovery Committees/Groups, many of the Georgia VOAD (Georgia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) partners as well as additional local partners.