Hurricane Fiona strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it crossed the Caribbean from September 19-22, 2022, bringing devastating flooding to vulnerable communities. In the Dominican Republic, almost 800 people required rescue from flood waters and mudslides that destroyed buildings and roads. In Puerto Rico, power was knocked out entirely, and water services were cut to more than two-thirds of the island due to lack of power. Thousands of people on the island have yet to rebuild from the damage Hurricane Maria caused in 2017. At least five people have lost their lives due to the storm.
The Church of the Nazarene in the region has assessed needs in order to prepare a compassionate response. Most Nazarene churches remain without power and clean water. Hundreds of cases of Crisis Care Kits are being sent to Puerto Rico through a partnership with Convoy of Hope, and at least 200 cases will be distributed by churches. In Puerto Rico, churches will give out gift cards to 350 families to help with immediate needs, and the first response in the Dominican Republic will be centered on food distribution. One church in Puerto Rico does have power and is offering laundry facilities to serve displaced families living in a local school.
Make checks payable to General Treasurer and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
17001 Prairie Star Pkwy
Lenexa, KS 66220
Make checks payable to Church of the Nazarene Canada and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytrail Drive
Mississauga, ON L4X 1W5