Hurricane Helene Update

Hello Starkey Family,
To say that the last few days have been life changing for our community would be an understatement. We all know people who have lost homes, cars, jobs, and for some, much more. I want you to know that you are loved and prayed for, and that as a church family, we are here for one another through these difficult days. We are thankful, as of right now, that we have not heard of any loss of life inside our church family because of the storm.
If you have any immediate needs, please let us know and we will help as we are able. At the end of this note are some resources that are available if needed. Also, as a church we have several people who have volunteered to help with clean-up, clean-out, and moving. The church also has 2 RV spots for our church family if that would be helpful. We have hookups for water and electric, but no sewer.
We are also asking for more volunteers. If you would be willing to volunteer some time, you can fill out the form here and let us know your availability.
Finally, if you would like to give financially to help those who were affected in our church family, you can give online under Fellowship Fund.
Even though we have a hard time understanding what has happened from our human perspective and might not even know how to pray at times, we do lean on the truth that God is sovereign, in control, and that He can and will work good out of the most terrible times.
Romans 8:26-28, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

You are loved and prayed for,
Pastor Derek and Stephanie for the whole SRBC Team

HURRICANE RELIEF RESOURCES

Call 211: Counselors are available for crisis and emergency counseling, along with disaster assistance, health care and insurance assistance, and childcare.

Call 988: An immediate resource If you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to.

FEMA:  It offers disaster relief, including financial assistance for housing and repairs. Go online to apply for assistance or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
 
American Red Cross: They provide shelter, food, and emergency support for those impacted. You can find your nearest shelter or request assistance here or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
 
Volunteer Florida: The Disaster Relief Hotline is available to answer questions at 833-514-2940.
 
Small business loans: Loans are available for businesses that suffered losses due to Hurricane Helene. The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge program provides short-term, interest-free loans of up to $50,000 per eligible applicant. Click here to apply.
 
Samaritan's Purse Hotline: It's available to assist with cleaning debris, removing personal property and furniture, and chainsaw work. Call 1-833-747-1234.
 
Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs: It offers virtual care and tele-emergency care for veterans who are enrolled in VA health care in the state. Call 1-877-741-3400 or go online. 

Additional resources available in your county

Pasco County — Click Here
Pinellas County — Click Here
Cooling Stations across Pinellas County- Click Here

Additional Ways to Consider Giving/Receiving Help- Click Here 
Temporary Housing Options_Short Term RV Rentals (cost involved)- Click Here