Michigan Flood Response
Flood Relief Updates
Days of heavy storms and rapid snowmelt pushed rivers in northern Michigan beyond flood stage, triggering evacuations, rescues, widespread damage, and states of emergency across multiple counties. Mercy Chefs responded by providing hot, chef-prepared meals, clean drinking water, and essential supplies to displaced families in Onaway, MI, and surrounding communities.
These families continue to face significant challenges, and the road to recovery remains long. Thanks to your support, Mercy Chefs was able to stand with these communities in their time of greatest need. Please keep those impacted by the flooding in your prayers and follow Mercy Chefs on Facebook and Instagram (@MercyChefs) for more updates.
April 28, 2026
Meals & Neighborly Love
Dawn watched as the road near her home disappeared and floodwaters crept higher each day, eventually reaching her husband’s shop and threatening everything they had built since 1993. While her home was largely spared, many of her neighbors were not so fortunate. Dawn has become a source of strength in her community. Once a recipient of meals herself, she now delivers Mercy Chefs’ hot meals to neighbors in need.
Families are still facing the aftermath of severe flooding, with homes damaged and uncertainty lingering as water levels remain dangerously high.
April 27, 2026
"Paying It Forward Matters"
When floodwaters surged through Jennifer’s home, they took everything. In the days that followed, the uncertainty was overwhelming. “You really don’t know where to start…where are we going to go?” she shared.
Jennifer, who cares for her elderly mother, found a moment of peace at our relief base, praying through tears as Chef Lisa stood with her. Through the hot meals you have helped provide, she found comfort and strength.
Today, Jennifer is giving back, volunteering to deliver meals to her neighbors in need. As Mercy Chefs continues serving families this week, your gift can help make moments like this possible.
April 23, 2026
Delivering Meals to Vulnerable Communities
In northern Michigan, residents are facing what many call the worst flooding of their lifetime. Chef Gary LeBlanc shares an update from Black Lake, where homes are inundated by rising waters. Our team has been able to reach vulnerable areas, including an elderly care community that had gone without support. The gratitude and emotional response have been overwhelming.
The situation remains dire, with three dams at risk of breaching, ice sheets continuing to damage and cut off communities. This is why Mercy Chefs is expanding relief efforts. As we enter the weekend, will you help us reach more isolated families who need a hot, chef-prepared meal?
April 22, 2026
A Moment of Strength & Relief for Families
Across northern Michigan, roads remain submerged, and many neighborhoods are isolated. What used to be a short drive has, for some, become an hour-long walk. Today, our team met a family who lost their vehicle in the flooding and walked more than an hour with their 2- and 4-year-old children just to receive a hot meal. We sat together while they ate, giving them a moment to rest and breathe. When they finished, we were able to get them safely back to where they’re staying.
In moments like these, a hot meal becomes a source of strength and relief, as well as a reminder that even in the hardest circumstances, someone cares. When you give today, you help another family receive a hot, comforting meal during their toughest days.
April 21, 2026
First Meals Served in Onaway
Flooding across Michigan has intensified, with rising waters overtaking entire homes and massive sheets of ice causing further destruction. Residents describe the devastation as unlike anything they’ve ever seen, and many families are facing uncertainty. One local resident approached our chef in tears, saying she had lost everything and didn’t “know what to do.”
Thanks to supporters like you, Mercy Chefs is responding. Last night, we served our first hot meals—Italian pasta, green beans with feta and onions, a garlic-seasoned roll, sliced oranges, and a chocolate cupcake—bringing a brief moment of relief. Your continued support makes it possible to care for these communities during an incredibly difficult time.
Make a Donation
Although this relief effort has ended, your support equips Mercy Chefs to respond quickly to families in need when the next disaster strikes.
Become a Volunteer
We’re grateful for the volunteers who helped us serve families in hard-hit areas. While this effort has ended, there are more ways to get involved. Explore volunteer opportunities near you.
Contact Us
For more information on how you, your church, or your organization can support our relief efforts, please complete the form below.
