Louisiana Flood Recovery:
URGENT HELP NEEDED IN LOUISIANA!
The American Red Cross is currently deploying new volunteers to support the disaster response efforts in Louisiana. They have about 7,000 people in shelters, 24,000 households have been affected, and at least 7 people have died as a result of this disaster. Please see the below flyer for more information. If you have any questions, please contact dmh@redcross.org .
by Matt Brodie
In a scene all too reminiscent to those of us in South Carolina, the recent and devastating flooding in Louisiana has left thousands in need of assistance. Homes and churches have been flooded, property destroyed and infrastructure ruined. However, among the devastation is hope. “The Louisiana United Methodist Conference is mobilizing every ounce of resources here in Louisiana to this historic and unprecedented disaster.” said Todd Rossnagel, Director of Communications for the Louisiana Conference. “At the same time, we are all dealing with our own disasters at home, amongst our families and even in some of our churches. It is now more than ever we need to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus and the church. For it is now that all of us need to ‘be the church’ and become the hands and feet of Christ.”
Many churches are hosting shelters or becoming distribution sites for supplies and resources.
One of the major challenges the Louisiana conference is facing is the ever-changing landscape during a flooding disaster with some areas that are starting to dry out, while others are still being evacuated.
Rev. Bernie Johnson, Louisiana’s director of connectional ministries, said, “We need financial, flood buckets, and Walmart gift cards in the amount of $25.
The Louisiana conference is partnered with The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), who is providing flood buckets and other resources.
“We are giving out the flood buckets as fast as we can get them,” said Johnson.
Financial donations can be made online at http://www.la-umc.org/ or can be mailed to the Louisiana United Methodist Conference Attn: Flood Relief, 527 North Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Please note “AUGUST 2016 FLOOD” in the memo field, this will go directly to Louisiana relief efforts.
As for assisting in person, “Louisiana is only accepting ERTs from the SCJ right now,” said Audrey Phelps, VIM and Disaster Response Coordinator of the South Central Jurisdiction They have had as much response as they can handle at this time from their area and will not request ERTs from other Jurisdictions just yet. Phelps will let others know if that changes.
The conference is activity requesting cleaning buckets.
For more information on how you can help visit:
http://www.la-umc.org/newsdetail/how-to-help-5623898
Donations can also be made to UMCOR at
http://www.umcor.org/Search-for-Projects/Search-for-Projects
