On September 4, 2017 Hurricane Irma became Category 4 intensity storm as it approached the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and South Florida. In response to the possible threat Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in all 67 counties in his state. The United Nations Chaplains Association’s (UNCA) mission was to act quickly in maintaining and restoring a sense of relief and normalcy to impacted communities by streamlining relief efforts through multiple agencies.  
 

Phase One: In cooperation with Federal Emergency Management Agency, The American Red Cross (ARC) and local municipalities, the UNCA established key initiatives which to preserve human life. TLD supported its partner the UNCA to leverage over 300 South Florida, faith-based organizations (representing over 10,000 parishioners) to assists establish Bulk distribution sites throughout 20 heavily impacted cities. The UNCA also provided real-time data to ARC for the identification and reallocation of resources and coordinated the delivery of over 800,000 pounds of food, water and resources to:

North Miami, Florida

Pompano Beach, Florida

Avon Park, Florida

Bonita Springs, Florida

Leigh Acres, Florida,

Dunbar, Florida

Lake Placid, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Immokolee, Florida and others.