On October 9th, Hurricane Milton ripped across Central Florida, devastating the West Coast of the state which had already taken a massive beating from Hurricane Helene only two weeks before. Throughout Florida, we are still dealing with receding floodwaters that are overwhelming river water basins and watersheds that branch out into local lakes, rivers, and canals.
Natural disasters and I have a long and fraught history. From a childhood in the Philippines with typhoons and volcanos, a season of Federal Disaster Relief, and 30 years in Florida, nature’s power and I are familiar. I’ve seen the disparities in how communities get assistance and how often ignored communities defy broken systems to lock arms and rebuild their neighborhoods.
When the news cycle passes, our communities will continue to live with the daily stress of rebuilding our homes. We’ll step into the aftermath carrying the grief of what can never be rebuilt and those we’ve lost.
A Prayer for Those Affected By Milton
Loving Creator, you carried Noah’s family safely through the storm.
We remember your promise that no flood would mean an end to all you have made.
Help us remember your promise that life would continue beyond the storm.
We know you will heal and renew the land and waters that mark home for our kin.
Let our prayers surround our brothers and sisters as the flood waters recede.
Mother God, hold these broken hearts together with tenderness and comfort as only you can.
Nourish our siblings with strength to face the morning and the long journey ahead.
Let us hold hope high like a beacon for those who are struggling to find hope today.
Father God, protect those whose hands and feet will rebuild our homes as we rebuild our lives.
We ask for you to meet every need as we cry out to you in the days and seasons to come.
Let us be generous in our hope, prayers, and gifts as you call us the work ahead.
Ways to Support Those Affected by Hurricane Milton
Right now communities need supplies and support. How quickly a community can begin work after a disaster directly impacts their long-term recovery. Here are organizations on the ground and deploying resources for Hurricane Milton right now.
Local Organizations/Coalitions
National Organizations
This is not an exhaustive list, and all of the national organizations listed are active in Hurricane Helene response as well.
About Elizabeth Cronlund
Based in Orlando, FL, Elizabeth Cronlund is the Partnership Development Manager with UNDIVDED, an organization that is activating communities for racial healing and justice. She has more than 15 years of experience in congregational ministry as a Christian Community Developer. Within CCDA, she helps lead the AAPI Network and is a contributing writer for CCDA’s Education Equity Handbook. Elizabeth is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and attends Northern Seminary.
