Offering Radical Hospitality in Face of Hurricane Florence
10.16.2018 - Kanuga Stories
Last month, as Hurricane Florence threatened the North and South Carolina coastlines, Kanuga welcomed a special group of evacuees. Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community in Charleston, SC, found safe refuge in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Shelter from the Storm
To prepare for the arrival of Bishop Gadsden evacuees, Kanuga arranged for extra food and supplies to be delivered, made necessary adjustments to accommodate all residents, and coordinated activities for the children of the Bishop Gadsden staff.
On September 11, Kanuga welcomed 251 residents, staff, family members, and 17 pets. During their eight-day stay, staff members of both Kanuga and Bishop Gadsden went above and beyond to take care of the residents. Employees expanded their daily shifts and day-to-day responsibilities to ensure all guests were comfortable and cared for in their temporary home.
Living Kanuga’s Core Values
The effort that was required that week did not go unnoticed. Robin Smith, a longtime member of the Kanuga family, was on campus during Bishop Gadsden’s stay. While he worked on a Haden Institute project, he couldn’t help but notice the blessings surrounding him.
“I was overwhelmed with the power of hospitality and presence of this place we call Kanuga. I can only imagine the logistics of pulling this off as the hurricane made its approach,” said Robin. “What I observed was the miracle of the grace and professionalism of the Kanuga staff and the Bishop Gadsden staff blending into one beautiful unit.”
The simple act of welcoming others at a time of need is part of Kanuga’s core values. “One of our core values is service, and I’m extremely proud of how our team went above and beyond to deliver excellent service under unexpected circumstances,” said Jimmy Haden, VP of Mission at Kanuga. “We are also very grateful that we could provide a safe place for the residents and staff of Bishop Gadsden, along with their family members.”