When World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) enters a disaster-impacted community, volunteers come to be the hands and feet of Jesus while repairing homes. At its core, DRS works alongside compassionate local partners to bring healing and restore hope after disasters.

A Community Responds to Hurricane Ian

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Sarasota County, Florida as a Category 4 storm, bringing 130 kph winds and 15 inches of rainfall. Record-breaking river crests led to significant flooding across the region. These conditions deeply impacted the southwest Florida community. Many business owners lost their livelihoods. Homeowners faced severe damage—from roofs torn off to water-damaged belongings—and some families experienced the loss of loved ones.

Even in the midst of devastation, neighbours came together to care for one another. Soon after the storm, the Sarasota County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) was formed to strengthen disaster coordination across preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation. Community members—including mental health professionals, pastors, local government staff, and human services organizations—joined forces to support those most affected.

As the group learned more about disaster recovery, they identified significant unmet needs. One member shared, “After individuals had exhausted all areas of help, we knew homeowners still had unmet needs, especially entire homes needing to be rebuilt.”

In response, the Sarasota LTRG partnered with DRS to conduct an unmet needs assessment—an important step in understanding the full scope of recovery required. In May 2023, DRS volunteers spent two weeks interviewing 273 households about their disaster-related needs. These conversations not only gathered critical data but also provided survivors with space to share their experiences, receive encouragement, and pray together.

The assessment revealed that, eight months after the storm, many households in Sarasota County were still facing significant financial gaps in their recovery. This detailed data—down to specific items like walls, furniture, and essential home repairs—enabled case managers to better coordinate resources and develop targeted recovery plans for those in greatest need.

Rebuilding Homes, Restoring Hope

Following the assessment, the Sarasota LTRG and DRS began organizing reconstruction efforts. About a year after the hurricane, many homeowners were finally able to return to safe, secure living conditions.

In fall 2023, DRS volunteers travelled to Sarasota to renovate the children’s ministry building at Lakeside Lutheran Church (LLC), a local partner and LTRG member. The renovated space became housing for volunteer teams of up to 20 people. Over the next six months, LLC hosted these teams as they repaired 24 homes identified through the unmet needs assessment.

Hilda Dutton, Director of Disaster Recovery and Resiliency at South Sarasota County United Way, reflected on the partnership:

“As local agencies, we play a part in disaster recovery, but the volunteer work from World Renew is truly the glue that holds this effort together.”

As part of Christ’s body, World Renew is grateful for the church’s role in God’s work of restoration. LLC’s Pastor Dave, his family, and the congregation supported the effort every step of the way.

Fellowship in Service

Each day began with breakfast, devotions, and prayer—grounding volunteers in both their work and ministry. Bob, a member of LLC, was inspired by the volunteers who travelled to serve disaster survivors. In response, he faithfully served the teams each morning—preparing food, refilling coffee, and cleaning up—all while wearing a smile and often a motivational shirt. His presence was one of many ways volunteers experienced encouragement and fellowship.

The church’s support extended beyond breakfast. Each week, LLC prepared dinners for the volunteers after long workdays. These meals became times of connection and reflection, where Pastor Dave, LTRG staff, and others shared stories of progress and impact.

“It is a blessing from the Lord to host DRS as they serve the Sarasota County community,” Pastor Dave said. “We have seen real needs met and souls encouraged when people were at the end of their ropes because of this hurricane. Jesus is restoring joy here through World Renew DRS, and we are more than grateful!”

Lakeside Lutheran Church didn’t just support volunteers—they became part of the community themselves. Jameson, Pastor Dave’s son and a high school senior at the time, grew enthusiastic about DRS during the reconstruction efforts. He proudly wore his green DRS shirt to church each week and, shortly after turning 18, submitted his application to volunteer. Before the season ended, Jameson joined a team on-site, learning construction skills and serving alongside others.

“Jameson had a great time on-site and was very helpful to our team,” said Onsite Manager Dee Scott.

After one season in Sarasota County, we reflect with gratitude on the incredible community we joined in restoring hope after Hurricane Ian. As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “We are created in Christ Jesus to do good works,” and we are thankful for the ways God has prepared us to serve—together with the Sarasota community.