Picking Up the Pieces: Unificationists Support Hurricane Ida Recovery

“Many people have suffered life-changing disaster from this hurricane,” said Rev. John Jackson, pastor of Dallas Family Church and Southwest director of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). “Most people likely know someone that has been affected by Hurricane Ida.”

Torrential rain, winds, and flooding swept through parts of the U.S. as Hurricane Ida made landfall August 29. A month later, communities from Louisiana to New York are still picking up the pieces. 

With countless people displaced, Unificationists across the country are banding together to aid recovery efforts in Louisiana. A GoFundMe page set up by Rev. Jackson has already amassed 57 donations to help those in need, totaling more than $9,600 of the $12,000 goal.

“May all gifts be multiplied,” said Cindy Pfeiffer, a donor from North Dakota. “Prayers that the recipients will feel that we love them and are with them!”

“Good luck and God bless to all our brothers and sisters recovering from Hurricane Ida,” said Michael La Hogue, another donor from Massachusetts.

Reportedly the fifth largest hurricane to strike the US mainland, thousands of people are still without power in hard hit areas. In a recent press conference, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said relief efforts in his state are still largely underway after the deadly and destructive Category 4 hurricane left entire neighborhoods submerged.

“We will help those in Louisiana that have lost their homes or need repairs,” said Rev. Jackson, who oversees nine states in the South and Southwest. He said he feels personally responsible to help as many people as possible recover from the storm.

“One of the families that we are helping sustained significant flooding in their home and yard as well as roof damage,” he said.

Remnants of Hurricane Ida also pummeled Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City causing dangerous flash flooding and a number of deaths.

“Sadly, more than a few folks have passed as a result of this,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy during a Sept. 3 news briefing. About a half dozen states including New Jersey declared a state of emergency.

“People were told to evacuate and most did just that,” said Rev. Jackson, “but they returned to flooded homes and broken power lines with no electricity for what looks like weeks or longer. People have fallen trees and roofs that need mending. And in some cases, there was loss of life, while in other cases, memories have been washed away and only pieces remain.”

Storm clean up efforts across several states are projected to cost at least $31 billion in damages, according to multiple reports.

“Our leadership in Alabama and Louisiana will disburse these funds for repairs from the storm to the parties in need,” said Rev. Jackson, who expressed gratitude for the donations and the community’s support. “We have many people who need help and we’re thankful for any offering. Everyone’s time and support is very much appreciated.”

You can donate to the Hurricane Ida recovery fund for Louisiana’s community here.