One of the systems — powered by solar panels — was helicoptered to a mountain community that’s been cut off by the storm, said Kreitzburg. Other systems, run by generators, have been set up in communities with no power and can provide water for about 5,000 people a day. The group is also using generators to help residents get water in their homes — by powering the pumps in their wells.
“We are helping with generators to get power back in the homes, which will power the pump, which will get them safe water,” he said.
The nonprofit has about 20 staff on the ground and plans to stay awhile. “We’re trying to do our part until the local government is able to restore power and water to the residents here,” said Kreitzburg.
Another faith-based nonprofit, World Vision, has been sending truckloads of water as well as muck-out kits, generators, phone chargers, blankets, coolers and blankets to Florida and North Carolina. Reed Slattery, national director for U.S. programs at World Vision, said the supplies are being distributed from local churches, such as St. John Baptist in Arden, North Carolina, just south of Asheville.
“Our goal is to get supplies to the whole region,” said Slattery, who will head to the Southeast later this week to assess additional needs.
