Church Partners Reignite Hope
In November 2021, floodwaters from the Nooksack River ran down to Sumas Prairie in British Columbia, causing a catastrophic flood that heavily affected greater Abbotsford, B.C., a Canadian farming community. The flood wiped out over 3,300 homes, shut down the Canada and U.S. border, and caused significant losses of livestock and poultry. Later, a local bank determined that the Sumas Prairie flood was the most expensive catastrophe in Canadian history, costing $7.5 billion CAD.
Thankfully, many churches in the area worked together quickly to support and serve their hurting community. Amid floodwaters rising in their own basements, many of the members of Gateway Community CRC began thinking about others suffering in their community. Church members took in neighbors whose homes were flooded, distributed food and water, and organized volunteer efforts to remove debris from flooded properties. They understood that, despite their own troubles, some of their neighbors were facing worse situations.
Within just weeks after the flood, a group of emergency response volunteers led by a Gateway Community CRC member worked to remove debris and sweep barns on 63 properties. This support was immensely encouraging to homeowners and farmers who were still in shock at what had happened and didn’t know how to proceed. Many, however, are still displaced, living in trailers or with their extended families.
As churches in the area realized a long-term response to the disaster was necessary, they formed the Abbotsford Disaster Response Coalition (ADRC), which aims to provide help and hope in the name of Jesus for Sumas Prairie flood survivors. While their response began as a grassroots approach, the ADRC is now a ministry funded by World Renew and many other grantmakers to support homeowners and farmers in their long-term recovery. Months after the flood, World Renew provided the first of two annual $200,000 grants to the ADRC, providing furniture and appliances for survivors.
Recently, due to World Renew’s second annual grant, which provides the salary of the ADRC project coordinator, the ADRC received $500,000 to provide building materials such as lumber, lawn care, and furniture/appliances for the community. After disasters, most survivors lack the financial means to replace their damaged belongings as well as repair their homes. These funds will help hundreds of homeowners get back on their feet by providing materials needed to restore their homes. So far, 161 homeowners have received new furniture, and 110 homeowners have received new appliances.
“I am very grateful for the assistance I’ve received from the ADRC after the flood,” said one of the homeowners. He had worked hard after the flood to make repairs in his home, beginning with flooring and drywall repairs, yet he lacked the resources to finish those projects and purchase other necessities. His appliances were ruined in the flood, and his frozen food went bad. His cabinetry rotted and was removed, and he installed temporary utility cabinets. His tools were also rusted from sitting in water and mud for weeks. By God’s grace, the ADRC has purchased new kitchen appliances for this homeowner and his wife. The ADRC will also be replacing the kitchen cabinetry and the ruined tools. As a contractor, the homeowner said that receiving new tools reignited his hope after the flood.
With other grants, the ADRC has also been able to provide an ongoing community pantry, meals, mental health services, and more to flood survivors.
