The grants were made in response to this appeal. There is a need for food as well as seed supplies for planting in the next rainy season. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is responding to Hurricane Luis through the ELCA International Disaster Response. The U.S. Virgin Islands were sideswiped by the huge storm. Although damage is being reported, it is not extensive.
Power is out throughout the islands.
LSS utilized an emergency phone line. No congregational damage has been reported. Damage in Puerto Rico was confined to rain and wind destruction, and the body of the hurricane completely missed the island. LSS of the Virgin Islands is exploring ways of helping in the devastated neighboring islands of St. Martin and Antigua. As these are non-United States territories, Lutheran World Relief will be assisting as well, through the Caribbean Council of Churches.