Training in February - Introduction to Disaster Services
January 9, 2012: A training opportunity is available to all HFI Reservists who have completed the Hope Force Basic Training: The Salvation Army Training Course Introduction to Disaster Services will be held February 4, 2012 from 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M at the Town and Country Manor, 555 E. Memory Lane, Santa Ana, California. The course consists of three sessions...
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Hope Force to build 15 homes in Haiti this year
January 4, 2012: With the Child Sponsorship Program in full swing and medical initiatives being carried out regularly, Hope Force International is helping many earthquake survivors in Sous Savanne access food, hygiene items and health care education. Though basic life necessities are being provided for a portion of the village, many are still in dire need of adequate housing. With more than 90% of the buildings in this area destroyed in the earthquake, housing is a top priority...
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HFI Reservist Uses Medical Training in Haiti
December 20, 2011: Hope Force Reservist Glenda Alexander recently returned from her second deployment to Haiti, a nation still recovering from the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck almost two years ago. The three Reservists on this deployment joined forces with the field team to deliver Christmas gift bags to those benefitting from HFI’s Child Sponsorship Program...
Stephanie O'Connor |
Looking Ahead
December 10, 2011: It has been said that a wise person will “back into the future” – meaning that the past is often a reflection of the future. Likewise, being a student of what has already happened can help us predict what may happen in the future. If 2011 is any indication of what we may face in the balance of this decade in terms of the frequency and severity of natural disasters, then we’re in for troubling times...
Jack Minton |
HFI Mourns the Loss of a Dear Friend
December 2, 2011: Tragedy has struck the small, close-knit village of Sous Savanne, Haiti. Joseph Jean Charles is Hope Force International's man of peace and advisor for projects in the village and has been associated with HFI for nearly two years. Joseph and his children have suffered the sudden loss of wife and mother, Marie Charles, in an automobile accident only minutes away from her home on November 16.
Cheyenne Barrington |
Back to Haiti
November 20, 2011: Field coordinators Rene and Marianne Lako have returned to Haiti to continue relief work through the months of November and December. They were joined by two Hope Force reservists for the first week of their return, Dr. Ela Kloda, a Polish physician and Terry Speller, a counselor from Canada. Both are first time visitors to Haiti. MTI housed the Reservists for the trip, providing them with accommodation, meals, transportation, an English speaking nurse, and a translator.
Heather Schmig |
Give a Christmas Gift Bag to a Haitian Child!
October 26, 2011: Haiti remains a top priority for Hope Force in the year ahead. We need your prayers for the courage, faith and humility required to see Hope Force put on a firm, stable and favorable footing in this devastated country. The Child Sponsorship Program is steadily growing and we are now more than halfway to our goal of supporting every vulnerable family in central Sous Savanne. Hope Force invites you to give an added blessing to a child in Sous Savanne by sending a Christmas Gift Bag....
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Haiti Assessment Results
October 8, 2011: Nearly 20 months after the Haitian earthquake, HFI's efforts continue to help rebuild the nation. Rene and Marianne Lako recently completed a six-week assessment project, designed to build the foundation for upcoming Reservist deployments and development projects. The work was done with the cooperation of local beneficiaries and organizations. Along with the efforts of Hope Force in the region, excellent work is being carried out by other groups...
Heather Schmig |
Hope Force Announced Grand Prize Winner
September 16, 2011: American Airlines and its small business mentoring partner, SCORE, announced the Grand Prize winner of its “Flights.Camera.Action” contest Sept. 15 at the 2011 SCORE Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. Hope Force International, from Brentwood, Tenn., was awarded more than 100,000 Business ExtrAA points – enough for 50 domestic round-trip Plan AAhead award Economy Class tickets. The winner will be featured on American Airlines inflight television, a full-page ad in one issue of American Way magazine, banners on AA.com, and more...
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Preparing the Foundation
September 12, 2011: Our Hope Force Haiti team has been on location for more than three weeks now and is busily preparing the foundation for what will be a long-term presence in this Caribbean nation. Rene and Marianne Lako are scheduled to be in-country for the rest of September before taking a short break. Beginning in the middle of October, HFI plans to have a long-term base established to be part of delivering assistance to those affected by the January 2010 earthquake...
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HFI Focuses Irene Response Efforts on Vermont
September 3, 2011: More than 100 miles from the ocean and only a short drive from the Canadian border, the residents of Waterbury, Vermont never expected to be devastated by a tropical storm. After Hurricane Irene finished its destructive path through the Caribbean and American east coast, it dumped torrential rains on Vermont, flooding rivers and closing roads. Parts of two towns were underwater as more than 165,000 Vermont homes and businesses lost power. National Guard helicopters rushed food and water to a dozen Vermont towns cut off by flooding...
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Irene: "Months to Recover"
August 30, 2011: Hurricane Irene caused billions of dollars in damages in 11 states as torrential rains and hurricane-force winds made their way up the east coast of the US. More than a million people were without power as of Tuesday. In Vermont – a stranger to hurricanes – the governor declared the flooding was the worst in 100 years. Hope Force staff and Reservists are now in Waterbury Vermont assisting this small town of 5,000 residents recover after being flooded. Over 150 homes received two to eight feet of water inside...
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Reservists Deploying - Hurricane Irene Response
August 27, 2011: As Hurricane Irene makes its destructive rampage up the East Coast of the United States, HFI continues to mobilize for much-needed relief and recovery efforts. According to HFI staffer Sue Duby, "We already have close to 30 Reservists standing by, ready to go the East Coast! The teams are coming together with our national partner, The Salvation Army, and they will move out Sunday to the areas of greatest need. All of those signed up are 'gold star' Reservists..."
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FLASH ALERT! Urgent Request for Reservists
August 25, 2011: Hurricane Irene strengthened to a category 3 storm after leaving torrential rains, flooding and mudslides in the Caribbean. Evacuation orders are in place for coastal North Carolina as the storm aims at the US, packing winds of 120 MPH. “The Salvation Army has issued an urgent request to Hope Force to provide as many of our Reservists as possible," says Cherie Minton, HFI Co-Founder. "They want our staging to begin by Saturday night in West Virginia. Please contact Sue Duby if you can participate...
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Join Hope Force in California!
August 15, 2011: Tornados, flooding, earthquakes and typhoons... Our world, both at home and abroad, seems to be convulsing in agony. Around the world over 60 million people a year are affected by disasters. We believe that followers of Christ have a mandate to respond to those who suffer from disaster or chronic need. Hope Force prioritizes disaster response initiatives that are undertaken with like-minded companies and agencies. You are invited to launch out on a pathway of service by attending the Orange County, California training September 22 - 24.
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Pastors Conference in Haiti
August 2, 2011: Jack and Cherie Minton founded Hope Force in 2003 based on 23 years of experience with international aid. Between them, the Minton's work has taken them to over 50 nations. The vision of HFI – to be a compassionate response to crisis and disaster – provided the platform for an immediate response to the devastating Haitian earthquake in 2010. Jack recently returned from a Pastor’s Conference where he and board member, Dan Sneed were keynote speakers...
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Back to Joplin
July 30, 2011: Veterans of 25 years of involvement with International Aid initiatives, Rene and Marianne Lako spent the better part of 2010 in Haiti spearheading efforts to provide much-needed relief for the country's earthquake victims. Currently finishing a Hope Force deployment to Joplin, Missouri, they have been an integral part of the tornado relief efforts in this region. Following is Rene's perspective on this unique opportunity...
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Continuing Tornado Relief
July 2, 2011: Another deployment of HFI Reservists recently returned from Joplin in response to the F5 tornado that swept through the area just over a month ago. Team members worked in partnership with the Salvation Army at a variety of locations in Joplin on what was for most, a week-long deployment. Some worked at The Oasis, a tent where computer access, food and drink, and emotional and spiritual care were provided. The Oasis also served as a base for post-disaster services...
Stephanie O'Connor |
Haiti's People Continue to Endure Hardship
June 28, 2011: Despite being over a year since the Haitian earthquake, the spiritual and physical needs for the people of Haiti are still great. The death toll stands at an estimated 230,000 following the devastating events of January 12, 2010. More than 3 million people were affected by the disaster, including some 634,000 who were displaced, having lost their families, residences, jobs, belongings, and way of life ...
Heather Schmig |
Dan Sneed, Jack Minton - Haitian Pastor's Conference Keynote Speakers
June 21, 2011: Several months ago Pastor Samuel Metelus, a strategic partner in the work of Hope Force in Haiti, asked HFI to consider speaking and sponsoring a pastor’s conference in Haiti. Church leaders from throughout the southern portion of the country will gather for the three-day event. There will be over 100 in attendance July 28 – 30. Dan Sneed and Jack Minton will represent Hope Force as keynote speakers...
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Every HFI Reservist deployed has been stretched beyond their comfort zone
...and discovered strengths they never knew they had in this historic tornado season. There were more tornadoes this April than any other April in recorded history. Reports state that 1/3 of the city of Joplin is literally gone, and the one mile-wide, six mile-long swath of devastation is almost more than the eye or mind can comprehend...
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The Road to Recovery - Joplin
June 8, 2011: With a death toll topping 140, the loss of life caused by the May 22 tornado in Joplin, MO, ranks the storm as the eighth deadliest tornado to hit the U.S. in recorded history. Over 8,000 homes in the area were damaged as the tornado ripped along its six-mile path of devastation, a path that ended up destroying nearly a third of the city and leaving 18,000 people without power. Only a few days later, Hope Force was on the scene to give the much-needed support to residents...
Stephanie O'Connor |
Hope Force in Joplin, Missouri
May 26, 2011: All Hope Force Reservists are on standby for Joplin, Missouri, to join the response to the devastating May 22 tornado. "I cannot remember witnessing so many disasters in such a short space of time," recounts Cherie Minton, Co-Founder of Hope Force. "We now have our first wave of Reservists in place working alongside the Salvation Army. This kind of devastation never ceases to impact an individual – no matter how many times you see it. It is overwhelming to see the human and material losses..."
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Bringing Medical Care to Sous Savanne, Haiti
May 22, 2011: Veterans of 25 years of involvement with International Aid initiatives, Rene and Marianne Lako spent the better part of 2010 in Haiti spearheading efforts to provide much-needed relief for the country's earthquake victims. A registered nurse, Marianne joined the recent deployment to Haiti in April as a Hope Force Reservist. Following is her perspective on the dynamics involved with running our first medical clinic in Sous Savanne and the Community Health Education initiative..
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Blue-Tarping in Alabama
May 19, 2011: Harvest, Alabama continues to receive attention from Hope Force Reservists amidst the devastation that occurred on April 27 as tornadoes ripped through the region. HFI volunteers have come in from all over the country to help. Reservist teams continue to mobilize as they prepare for more “blue-tarping” in the hardest-hit towns of the region. Funds are being sought to assist in the purchase of supplies required to accommodate ongoing relief efforts.
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Hope Force Responds to Tornado Disaster!
April 28, 2011: Disaster response teams from Hope Force International have been deployed into the aftermath of deadly storms and tornado outbreaks across the southern half of the United States. This morning, an HFI team was deployed to Chattanooga, TN, and nearby communities where they will be involved in food distribution, hydration and emotional and spiritual care. Assessments are underway in Mississippi where Hope Force has a team of Reservists preparing to assist in disaster-stricken areas...
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New Beginnings
April 24, 2011: Easter … a time of new hope, new life, new possibilities. As Hope Force completes another deployment to Haiti, this has become even more evident than before as the village of Sous Savanne starts to reach a new level of restoration following the country’s horrible earthquake of January 2010. “We were moved beyond words to arrive and see the unprecedented level of activity in the village,” explains Jack Minton, President/CEO of Hope Force International. “Our collaboration with World Relief has resulted in many new homes being built..."
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Venturing into Haiti's Tent Cities
April 8, 2011: International health agencies continue to monitor the outbreak of cholera in Haiti as the deaths associated with the disease approach 5,000. A water-borne disease, cholera is very difficult to eradicate once it has taken hold in a population and experts recognize it will likely remain present in Haiti for several years. The upcoming rainy season in Haiti along with the hurricane season will undoubtedly cause additional caseload spikes. Hope Force International continues to partner with Medical Teams International (MTI) in the fight against the disease...”
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April Deployment to Haiti
March 30, 2011: In the midst of Haiti’s current election crisis, gridlock in many of the relief aid processes, rising fuel prices have sparked protests, violence and worker strikes in parts of the country. In the midst of these uncertainties, Hope Force is continually engaged with our partners on the field and now approaching the next Reservist deployment to this nation in need. Please pray for our team, most of whom will be working in Haiti April 10 to 19...
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Unlike Natural Disasters
March 23, 2011: While much of Hope Force International’s publicized efforts of late are centered on Haiti or Nashville, Tennessee, aid to impoverished pockets in the Appalachian Mountains has been an ongoing endeavor since July 2009. Craig Snow is, at the moment, the permanent one-man team there and was gracious enough to lend some insight into the efforts in that area. Snow said after some initial visits to the area Hope Force felt moved to respond, and they were well aware this opportunity was unlike natural disasters...
Nelson Shake |
Rochester Announces Disaster Response Seminar
Nashville, TN March 18, 2011 – As the hearts and eyes of the world turn to Japan in the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami, a unique international agency has finalized plans to conduct Disaster Response training in Rochester May 12 - 14. Hope Force International specializes in training and mobilizing volunteers to respond in crisis situations in the United States and around the world. The organization is rapidly approaching its goal of 1,000 active Reservists ready to respond to crisis points and disaster areas.
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Disaster in Japan!
March 16, 2011: In the wake of the horrific earthquake & subsequent tsunami in Japan, Hope Force International remains committed to our mission of alleviating suffering caused by disasters and chronic human need through stimulating the global Christian community into compassionate action. HFI is standing ready and able to assist, while collaborating with partner agencies to determine the most effective means of responding to the disaster.
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Japanese Earthquake
March 11, 2011: Early Friday morning, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan wreaked havoc on the region and spawned tsunami warnings for at least 50 other countries. We are all attempting to absorb the magnitude of this terrible tragedy and the suffering experienced by the people of Japan. The strongest earthquake in recent history and the ensuing tsunami have resulted in massive destruction and loss of life...
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Give a Hygiene Gift Bag to a Haitian Child!
February 19, 2010: Haiti remains a top priority for Hope Force in the year ahead. We need your prayers for the courage, faith and humility required to see Hope Force put on a firm, stable and favorable footing in this devastated country. The Child Sponsorship Program is steadily growing and we are now more than halfway to our goal of supporting every vulnerable family in central Sous Savanne. Hope Force invites you to give an added blessing to a child in Sous Savanne by sending a Hygiene Gift Bag....
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Guidance for the Discerning
February 10, 2011: As we invested prayer and planning in the time leading up to 2011, we felt God’s assurance that he will establish the ministry of Hope Force in the coming year. Proverbs 24 talks about a house being established through understanding. The scriptures also explain that knowledge of God is understanding – Proverbs 9:10. Once we possess understanding, we will need discernment in how to incorporate it into our decision-making processes. As we move forward in a pathway of service...
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A Year of Progress in Haiti
January 22, 2011: It was over a year ago now that we first made our way into Port-au-Prince after last year's devastating earthquake. I still remember how the magnitude of the destruction became increasingly apparent as we advanced farther into the city. The vendors who once sold all manner of goods ranging from fresh baked bread to used clothes were absent from the once busy streets of the nation’s capital. Buildings lay in rubble, roads were choked with debris and people moved about amongst the remains of their houses and businesses in chaos...
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Anniversary of a Horrible Tragedy
January 12, 2011 – As the hearts and eyes of the world turn to Haiti on the anniversary of the brutal earthquake of January 2010, Hope Force International is bringing increased focus on delivering aid to this impoverished Caribbean nation. We are scheduling additional disaster relief training seminars as we channel volunteer medical and development personnel to Haiti in the wake of last year’s disaster. “We are committing every resource at our disposal along with our staff and partners to bring aid and assistance to Haiti,” explains President/CEO, Jack Minton...
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Who is my Neighbor?
December 20, 2010: Hope Force International is built on the premise that we, as followers of Christ, have a responsibility to respond to the suffering of our neighbor – whether that be next door or across the ocean. This year we literally had the opportunity to fulfill this mandate in our own home town. Record-breaking rains in May brought devastating floods to Nashville and its environs, wreaking havoc on homes, businesses and livelihoods. As never before, the reality of natural disasters and its impact on individuals was truly brought home for us.
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Hope in War
December 17, 2010: Close to 4,500 volunteer hours were accounted for this year through our Appalachia project in War, West Virginia. It is with great joy in our hearts that we bring out 2010 activities to a close in this region and at the same time there is a note of sadness. Our staff and volunteers who have committed themselves to underprivileged families here have all come away with a deep love and appreciation for these, the “hidden poor” within our own nation. It is hard to take a break, knowing the great need that is present in Appalachia...
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Trapped in Haiti – Part 1 of 2
December 12, 2010: Hope Force International is actively engaged in mobilizing volunteer medical professionals from across the country to help save lives in Haiti as a growing cholera epidemic has already claimed the lives of thousands. Global health officials are predicting as many as 650,000 cases due to the “perfect storm” of earthquake damage, tent cities and an abysmal waste water management system. The growing roster of Hope Force Reservists is providing a task force of highly-committed individuals willing to brave the terrain of a treacherous, cholera-stricken nation.
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Trapped in Haiti – Part 2 of 2
December 12, 2010: The people of Haiti continue to endure unbelievable hardship. January’s devastating earthquake rocked a nation that already led the western hemisphere in poverty and hopelessness. Only 15% of the $5.3 billion pledged by the global community for earthquake relief has reached its intended beneficiaries. Hurricane Tomas exacerbated a burgeoning cholera outbreak and now, flawed election results have brought the country to a virtual shut-down as burning tires, barricades, marauding gangs and desperados roam the streets...
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