Hope for Coffee Initiative Established – Deadline for Community Assessment is Nov. 1st

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation, Hope for Coffee, a faith-based partnership with local churches, organizations, and advocates of Coffee County, has formed to provide vital relief and long-term support to Coffee County residents. Churches are the foundation helping ensure that those in need receive assistance and ongoing support during the recovery process. The Hope for Coffee organization is modeled after the Hope Initiative, which was created in Mayfield, Kentucky, following a devastating flood.

On October 19, 2024, Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk held a community meeting with local pastors, church members, and community advocates to establish a temporary board aimed at launching this faith-based initiative. The Hope for Coffee board quickly began sharing information about the initiative, organizing the assessments needed to document damages, and recruiting volunteers in Coffee County. The assessment form was created and is patterned after an assessment by the Hope Initiative and is being used as a critical tool to help document needs for shelter, food, water, medical supplies, and more. The form also enables the Hope for Coffee initiative to organize debris removal efforts and identify other essential services. When residents submit their form or assist a neighbor with submission, that information becomes an essential part of a coordinated response.

Currently, after utilizing the social media platform of Facebook (@HopeForCoffeeCountyGa) and word of mouth, over 2,000 responses have been recorded, indicating great community involvement. However, with a county population of 43,000, the Hope for Coffee initiative still has a long way to go. Every resident is urged to take part-either by filling out the assessment form or helping others complete it. This information will allow organizers to provide the right resources to those who need them most. Information is not shared for any other reason than to help provide relief and assistance to those who have suffered destruction from Hurricane Helene in Coffee County. Residents of Coffee can pick up an assessment at Douglas City Hall (302 S. Madison Avenue) or download a form at cityofdouglasga.gov/hopeforcoffee and return it to Douglas City Hall. The online assessment is located at https://forms.gle/rsmsBamG43rqEu2V6 (English) or https://forms.gle/bWT57m9bFCYukkJ16 (Spanish). The deadline for the assessment form submission is November 1, 2024.

A public forum will be held on November 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Coffee High School Cafetorium (159 Trojan Way). RSVP is required due to limited space. Organizers of the Hope Initiative will assist board and community leaders with the formation of a long-term Recovery Team, best practices, next steps, and a Q&A session. Attendees MUST RSVP by calling (912) 383-0277 by October 31, 2024.

Community support is crucial for Coffee County's recovery from Hurricane Helene. By working together, the Hope Initiative hopes to reach every individual in need and to ensure lasting relief for those affected by this disaster.