Pregnancy resource centers offer $50K in aid to those affected by hurricanes

(Pregnancy Help News) — The profound impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton included many communities where Heartbeat International affiliates serve women and families. But even amid the adversity presented by the storms, the commitment to providing compassionate, life-affirming pregnancy help has remained steadfast, a testament to the resilience and dedication of these centers. That compassion extends beyond serving women in need to lifting up other centers in need as well.

Thanks to the generosity of pregnancy help organizations around the United States, almost $50,000 in financial gifts and material aid was distributed in early December through a special fund administered by Heartbeat International to pregnancy help centers affected by the storms.

Heartbeat is the largest network of pregnancy help organizations in the U.S. and globally, and has a fund called HALO—Helping Affiliated Life-affirming Organizations—which gives its affiliates an opportunity to come alongside other sister organizations to provide encouragement and financial assistance to centers and maternity homes affected by natural disasters and other events.

Hurricane Helene caused extensive catastrophic damage and hundreds of fatalities across the Southeastern United States in late September. Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the state’s Big Bend region, also causing destruction and dozens of fatalities. As of press time there were still many individuals counted as missing in the wake of both hurricanes.

Between the two record-breaking storms, some pregnancy centers across several states were affected by physical damage to their buildings, fallen trees that required removal, or they had to cancel fundraising events.

The request for HALO funds for the two hurricanes was made in October, and Heartbeat was in communication with affiliates that experienced damage through October and November, with determinations for distribution made in late November. Funds were then forwarded to recipients earlier this month. Other responses were also forwarded to Heartbeat from centers such as prayer requests and information about power outages.

Centers in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee received HALO funding from the initial response.

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Additionally, at press time another $10,000 had been pledged for relief for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and another $8,000 submitted to the HALO fund, the latter awaiting confirmation as to whether it was earmarked for the two storms.

One recipient center in Florida recorded a thank-you video for Heartbeat and HALO donors using the Bill Withers song “Lean on Me.” The center closed the video message saying, “Thank you for allowing us to lean on you!”

Heartbeat leadership involved in the HALO administration process remarked on the generosity of the pregnancy help community, giving further example of true compassion and support for women.

“I am grateful to witness, once again, the power of unity within the pregnancy help movement,” said Tracie Shellhouse, vice president of Ministry Services for Heartbeat International.

“The remarkable outpouring of generosity donated to and distributed through the HALO fund, exemplifies the strength of our shared mission and the unwavering commitment to life-affirming care, even in the face of adversity,” she said. “The pregnancy help community that will continue to shine brightly through any storm.”

Heartbeat’s Director of Affiliate Services Kathy Jerman echoed Shellhouse’s response.

“I am so inspired by the generosity and compassion shown by our affiliate organizations and individuals,” she said. “It is a beautiful example of being the hands and feet of Jesus for our affiliate organizations in need.”

“Despite the challenges, these centers are persevering in their life-affirming work and continue to bring healing and restoration to their communities,” said Jerman.

Heartbeat requests continued prayer for the pregnancy centers and the families they serve as they navigate this season of recovery. Additional inquiries can be made to the HALO fund HERE.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at Pregnancy Help News and is reprinted here with permission. 

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