Please be in prayer for Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina (BCH).
As is the case with others who were in the path of Hurricane Matthew, several of
BCH's statewide locations have been hit hard by this devastating storm.
The good news is all the children and families we serve are safe. However,
as a result of the storm's impact, some of the residents and staff were evacuated.
We will need work volunteers once the damage has been assessed as well as
immediate financial support. See the information at the end of this post if you can help.
Here is what we know at this time:
- Kennedy Home, BCH's eastern area campus in Kinston, has been evacuated
due to power outage (lasting for as long as 10 days) and wind-driven rain
resulting in fallen trees and high water levels. The potential for more damage is high.
Flooding is expected later this week as the rivers and creeks continue to rise.
Water has already entered some of the buildings on campus. It is predicted that all
of Kennedy Home's buildings will have water inside them by the end of the week.
Accompanied by their houseparents and staff, the boys, girls and mothers
have been relocated to BCH's Mills Home campus in Thomasville where they will be for
the foreseeable future. The staff have rallied and the children are holding up very well.
Damage, which is expected to be substantial, will be assessed once the water recedes.
Around a dozen trees have fallen at Kennedy Home in Kinston.
Wind-driven rains at Kennedy Home. Flooding expected to worsen.
- Odum Home in Pembroke evacuated this past weekend gathering at the local
high school gymnasium due to wind-driven rain causing fallen trees, power
outages and high water levels. Conditions have improved and the residents and staff
have returned to campus. They have generator power at the Odum Home gym, but it is
unknown when power will be restored to the residential cottages and offices. The
children are doing well and staff are using grills to cook meals.
- Cameron Boys Camp and Camp Duncan for Girls, BCH's residential
wilderness camps in Moore County, both experienced power outages and fallen trees. The campers spent two nights indoors and have returned to their campsites. Power at both camps is now back on. There does not appear to be substantial damage but conditions will be assessed in the coming days.
- Three of BCH's Family Care homes, Oak Ranch near Sanford, Britton
Ministries in Ahoskie and Smith Home in Marston, all lost power power this weekend.
However, the mothers and their children are doing well and there does not appear to be
any damage.
As with the camps, things will be assessed further in the days ahead.
Please help! The need for funding and volunteers to help with clean-up is
vital.
If you or your volunteer group wish to assist with clean-up, please
contact BCH's Sam Barefoot at 336-474-1278 or svbarefoot@bchfamily.org
