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ELCA.org/disaster | 11Over the last few years, the Larry brothers %u2014 Dakarian, 25; Mario, 19; and Noble, 10 %u2014 have worked hard to stick together. In 2018, they lost their home in Florida to Hurricane Michael. When the storm made landfall, it destroyed over 1,100 homes and severely damaged over 1,800 more. It was especially devastating for the 17% of the county%u2019s population who, like the Larry brothers, live below the poverty line.Then, last year, Dakarian, Mario and Noble%u2019s mother passed away. Dakarian and Mario were determined to raise Noble even as Mario continued his college classes and Dakarian continued to search for a safe home where they could all stay. More than five years after the storm hit, many community members were still living in damaged, dangerous properties.Now, finally, your generosity to Lutheran Disaster Response has helped put a brand-new roof over the heads of the Larry brothers. Dakarian connected with Lutheran Disaster Response partner Rebuild Bay County, which was founded to provide critical resources for the community in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Rebuild Bay County is composed of over 150 faith-based and nonprofit organizations, including the ELCA%u2019s FloridaBahamas Synod. Through the synod and Rebuild Bay County, your gifts are at work rebuilding homes and lives in Florida.Program staff are working with several families to secure homes that meet their unique needs. Some households need ramps or other features for accessibility. Others, such as the Bowers family, need space for kids. The Bowerses are a young couple who lost their home and their jobs in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and have struggled to find stable housing ever since. Until recently, they were living with their 10-year-old son in a rundown camper that lacked a working shower, refrigerator or stove. Your gifts helped Rebuild Bay County to purchase a lot and a three-bedroom mobile home for them.The Larry brothers were thrilled to move into one of the program%u2019s newest homes. It was dedicated a couple months ago, and the Larry brothers were present alongside their grandmother. She spoke passionately about what a blessing this home would be to their family. You are walking alongside the Larrys, the Bowerses and others like them, sharing God%u2019s redeeming grace, as they rebuild their homes and rediscover hope for the future.Read more stories of your impact through Lutheran Disaster Response in the latest issue of %u201cThrive%u201d!The stories in the 2025 issue of %u201cThrive%u201d show the holistic approach of Lutheran Disaster Response. As we accompany individuals around the world, from North Carolina to Ukraine, your support for Lutheran Disaster Response demonstrates the value of our relationships and the impact of our long-term commitment. Rebuilding homes and lives Through your generosity to Lutheran Disaster Response, you remind families such as the Larrys and the Bowerses that they are not alone %u2014 not when disaster strikes, and not in the years they spend reclaiming their lives afterward.