Tzu Chi USA Hurricane Florence Relief: Call for Registration

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Oct 24, 2018, 13:12 ET

NEW BERN, N.C., Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To date, Hurricane Florence has caused an overall property damage that tops up to an estimated $45 Billion across the Carolinas and Virginia, with 53 confirmed deaths.

In an effort to help ease the great burdens families now face in returning to normalcy, Tzu Chi USA will be offering financial aid this weekend, October 27-28, to qualifying homeowners affected by Florence in three North Carolina cities. These include Fayetteville, Lumberton, and New Bern. Homeowners may qualify for assistance if they meet the following criteria:

Hurricane Florence crept into the Carolinas on September 14. In Boiling Spring Lakes, North Carolina, it caused a water line to be split in two, cutting off supply of clean water to what is estimated to be half the town.

dwelling must have received classification by the American Red Cross or FEMA as either destroyed or sustaining major damage AND
dwelling must be located in one of the following zip codes:

Fayetteville: 28301, 28303, 28304, 28305, 28306, 28311, 28312, 28314, 28441
Lumberton: 28360, 28358
New Bern: 28560, 28562

Homeowners must meet both criteria in order to qualify.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

To receive aid, homeowners must fill out our online registration form to request an appointment. Applicants will then be contacted by Tzu Chi USA to confirm an appointment if they meet all qualifications. For more information about registration, please contact [email protected]

Earlier this September, Tzu Chi Relief volunteers worked with the American Red Cross and local fire department officials to determine which areas of North Carolina were most critically hit by Hurricane Florence. They documented the extent of damage sustained to homes and property, intent on returning to help. See the assessment in action here.

One of them included the town of New Bern, where Tzu Chi's Greater Washington DC Regional Chapter Executive Director Frank Chen called the Temple Baptist Church to ask what kind of help was needed. Pastor Jim Pennington expressed hope in being able to work together for the betterment of the community, across religious borders.

"Hurricane Florence brought destruction to homes and despair to hearts here in New Bern. It is during times like these that we extend help and hope to each other. As we do so, we are expressing our love to God."
Jim Pennington, Pastor, Temple Baptist Church

After a disaster, Tzu Chi USA strives to provide not only financial aid, but emotional support; a crucial element to overcoming the trauma of losing valuable, irreplaceable property, a job, a home, a family member, and more. Our volunteers are equally dedicated to this cause.

"It feels good to know that someone is looking out for you when you need it... We really want this to be a successful event for families in North Carolina."
Frank Chen, Executive Director, Tzu Chi Greater Washington DC Regional Chapter

We strongly encourage as many shares of our online registration form as possible to inform as many qualifying families as we can by sharing the link at www.tzuchi.us/hurricane-florence-relief-application.

Tzu Chi USA's ongoing disaster aid is not possible without public support. Practice compassion in action by donating online or texting TZUCHI to 91999. A small gift may make a huge impact on the lives of individuals and families seeking hope during tough times. See how we've already helped residents through US disasters this year and learn how you can help make a difference.

About Tzu Chi USA
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a humanitarian non-profit NGO whose commitment to poverty reduction and disaster relief has reached over 95 countries since 1966. In 2017, Tzu Chi USA distributed over $9 million in aid, benefiting those impacted by 68 disasters in the USA. To learn more, visit: www.tzuchi.us.

Media Contact: Anik Ghose, 917-595-6545, [email protected]

SOURCE Tzu Chi USA