Convoy of Hope Strengthens Southeast Disaster Preparedness as Region Faces Hurricane Activity

ATLANTA, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Convoy of Hope is expanding its natural disaster relief efforts within the Southeast this hurricane season. The global, faith-based organization has launched a new 125,000-square-foot regional distribution center near Atlanta, which will allow them to more quickly deliver critical supplies to those impacted by disasters in the Southeast. The closer proximity to the region is estimated to cut the response time to some locations in half. 

The Regional Distribution Center East is already fully stocked and operational with vital emergency supplies including shelf-stable food, water, paper goods, cleaning supplies and hygiene items, and has a fleet of disaster response vehicles ready to deploy when needed. These supplies and equipment are vital to meeting the needs of survivors during hurricane season and in the immediate aftermath of strong storms. Because the Southeast region is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding, it is a critical location for launching Convoy's relief efforts. Last year, Convoy of Hope responded to 99 disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, among others that impacted communities throughout the Southeast. The following statistics indicate a need for Convoy to bolster its disaster response abilities in the Southeastern United States:

• In 2025, five tropical storms have already formed, including Hurricane Erin, which became a Category 5 hurricane over the weekend.
• In 2025, forecasters are predicting an above-normal tropical storm and hurricane season, with 2-5 major hurricanes.
• In 2024, the Southeast experienced 17 disasters, causing damage totaling $117.6 billion.
• In 2024, there were 27 confirmed billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events in the U.S., following 2023's record-breaking 28 events.
• From 1980 to 2024, the U.S. averaged nine major natural disasters per year, while the annual average for the most recent five years is 23, showing a large increase in need.

The new regional distribution center is also economically efficient, maximizing funds for recovery. Pre-positioning supplies regionally reduces costly emergency transportation during disasters when logistics networks are strained and prices spike. Partnerships with local communities and churches that collect donations, as well as local vendors and suppliers, create reliable supply chains for stocking essential items. Just as important, local team members understand regional needs, cultural considerations and logistical challenges. The long-term benefit is the reduction in wear and tear on equipment, extending the lifespan while reducing maintenance needs and ultimately lowering costs.

"Opening this new regional distribution center is just one more way that we are seeing our mission advance," said Convoy of Hope Vice President of Public Engagement Ethan Forhetz. "Convoy of Hope brings help and hope to communities that need it most. Our new distribution center in Georgia is already helping us do that better than ever."

Convoy of Hope has responded to more than 800 disasters worldwide since 1996. Convoy's Disaster Services team is consistently among the first to respond and is known for its scalable response and distribution model, which utilizes well-positioned warehouses, a specialized disaster response fleet and a highly trained team of staff and volunteers to respond to disasters quickly and effectively. In the past year, Convoy of Hope has responded domestically to the deadly flooding in Texas, the California wildfires and the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, among other natural disasters.

During times of natural and humanitarian disaster, Convoy of Hope responds with tangible aid and compassion. Not only does it distribute essential emergency supplies such as food, clean water, hygiene kits and more— but it often also provides long-term assistance to help people rebuild and recover.

About Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based organization that serves vulnerable communities. By partnering with local churches, businesses, civic organizations and government agencies, Convoy has strategically offered help and hope in more than 130 countries around the world. Since its founding in 1994, Convoy of Hope has served 300 million people and counting with its mission to feed the world through children's feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response. Visit convoyofhope.org to learn more.

CONTACT:                                                                                 
Adrienne Brown, 404.998.1106

SOURCE Convoy of Hope