This winter’s severe ice and snow storms have devastated the families of Appalachia. 

The destructive storms, which have claimed over 50 lives, left over 1.3 million homes without power. Thousands of America’s poorest residents are still shivering in the dark.

In many areas, children and seniors are without heat or water as they wait for help to arrive. Some may not have electricity restored until mid-February, and shelters have filled to capacity.

“We’ve got lots of counties that do not have any communication, any heat, any power,” said Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, who has requested President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster in Kentucky. 

In response to the disaster, the Christian Appalachian Project’s Operation Relief has rushed essentials such as food, blankets and cots, bottled water and other supplies to Appalachian families in need. 

As days pass by with so many people still without electricity it is expected that the need for shelter may start rising once again. CAP has turned several of its facilities into make-shift shelters to accommodate the demand.

To make a donation to support CAP’s Operation Relief, please call 1-866-270-4CAP (4227) or click here.