Cape Verde declared a state of emergency last week after Hurricane Erin brought deadly floods that killed at least nine people and forced thousands from their homes.

New Bedford may be over 3,000 miles away from Cape Verde, but it is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the country . Therefore, the devastating news hit close to home.When word came that the hurricane had left a path of destruction on the islands, New Bedford residents jumped into action to help.According to a recent Facebook post by the City of New Bedford , “Hurricane Erin has devastated São Vicente and Santo Antão, leaving many families without homes or basic needs. The ICN - International Church of the Nazarene , with support from local partners, is collecting supplies to send to Cape Verde

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