WILMINGTON — In the wake of Hurricane Florence, it can be difficult to navigate all the different recovery services — both for those in need, and those looking to give back.
Support the Port, a non-profit founded in 2015 to help support communities in need, is turning its focus to the “underserved in Wilmington,” as it enters the recovery phase, according to founder Cedric Harrison.
Support the Port is has established a self-described “beachhead” in Ebenezer Baptist Church in the northeastern area of downtown Wilmington. The location was established to centralized “donations and volunteers, expanding from supplies to services such as health care, jobs, home repair, legal advice and child care.”
According to Harrison, “The spirit we’re seeing is amazing; a real community effort to bring everyone back on their feet whether they can afford it or not. It feels like we have everyone helping – from my grandmother to lawyers and therapists, businesses like TRUColors, area churches, FEMA and local non-profits. They’re donating everything from money and goods to time and advice as we prepare Wilmingtonians for a brave new future.”
For those looking to give back after the storm, Support the Port is looking for the following resources:
- Goods: Medical supplies, cleaning supplies, fresh and canned foods, toys/books/baby supplies, water jugs, grill items, and school supplies.
- Money: Funds will go to pay rent at the church, acquiring a dumpster, purchase food and gasoline, and to help re-start local businesses in need. Donations can be made at supporttheport.com.
- Volunteers: 75 – 100 people have volunteered daily, delivering food and supplies across Cape Fear. Volunteers are now needed to serve in expanded ways, with food and service coordination
Harrison said Support the Port always welcomes new service partnerships; the organization is currently working with the following groups:
- Smash & Dash is using their food truck to deliver hot meals in Columbus, Brunswick and soon Pender counties. Food supplied by World Central Kitchen and Operation BBQ.
- Wilmington Health is providing caregivers at the Ebenezer Baptist location to administer first aid, take blood pressure, and provide overall initial healthcare services.
- Red Cross has been delivering hot meals to Ebenezer Baptist for all community members in need, served at approximately 1:00pm.
- Step Up Wilmington is connecting those whose jobs were lost with new openings.
- WARM is providing rebuilding assistance and resources, while FEMA provides victims information about their application process
- NHRMC is providing on-site representatives to help direct citizens to health care resources
- United Way by helping coordinate all the non-profit endeavors.
Support the Port will be operating out of its Northside hub throughout October. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The Ebenezer Baptist Church is located at 2929 Princess Place Drive, at the intersection of North 30th Street.
For further information visit www.supporttheport.com
