On September 26th Hurricane Helene poured through the Big Bend area in the late evening. Give Me Shelter Ministries started mobilizing relief effort on Friday the 27th with the help of Calvary Chapel of Destin and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
By 2:30 AM on the 28th we headed to Steinhatchee which was close to where the eye of Helene made landfall. We trucked in water, tarps, ice, gas, muck-out buckets and chainsaws. We will add hygiene products on this next trip down. I have dealt with disasters and response on many levels and for many years. This area is almost 100% done. People are bewildered and desperate. As all know, this destruction continued through many states leaving many homeless.
We spent the day giving out our supplies and cutting paths so people could get in or out of their homes. After an 18 hour day we headed back to Destin and Fort Walton Beach. I’m spending today gathering supplies and making plans for another 18 hour trip tomorrow.
Props to ACE Hardware of South Walton for supplying all tarps, water, gas cans and chainsaw supplies. Thanks to the crew, Garrett, Riley, Lance and Tristan.
We need your help! Please consider a financial gift or a gift of labor. Prayers are also appreciated.
Kenny Phillips Founder/Director GMSM
