Disaster response

Disaster Response Links (listed chronologically - most recent listed 1st - however, the response will continue for an extended period in all the locations listed and teams are urgently needed).

For the latest news on emerging disasters, go to the UMCOR Hotline.

Visit Individual Conference Webpages for latest disaster info:

North Central Jurisdiction Flooding Information (6/21/08)

For updated news on how you can help during this flooding disaster in the North Central Jurisdiction

1.       please go to the affected conference web pages,

2.      sign up for the email news lists that come out at least 1X per week or

3.      contact your conference Disaster Response or UMVIM Coordinator

4.      Collect flood buckets (use Midwest Mission Distribution Center list - http://www.midwestmissiondc.org/  click on kits and supplies – scroll down…

5.      Donations for relief efforts may be sent to UMCOR’s relief efforts in the Midwest, by the Domestic Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670, with a designation for Midwest Flooding Relief. UMCOR support checks can be dropped in church offering plates or mailed directly to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Write the Advance number and name on the memo line of the check. Credit card donations can be made by calling 800-554-8583 or online at www.givetomission.org. – UMNS

Currently Affected Conferences

IOWA

Webpage : www.iaumc.org

Listserv :  iowa-news-bounce@iaumc.org

Volunteer site hosting teams : http://www.fumcmarion.org/Flood/floodhome.html  contains a calendar for teams signing up and contact information. Rev. Melisa Bracht-Wagner / Marion First United Methodist Church / East Central District Volunteers in Mission Coordinator, Iowa / 319-480-4469 / melisa@fumcmarion.org

Flood Blog :  www.iowastorms2008.blogspot.com

Disaster Response Coordinator : Marcia Young, msy49@aol.com / cell phone # is 563-580-9650. Marcia is working with other agencies on depot sites and long term recovery

UMVIM Coordinator : Susan Ryon Olive, IAUMVIM@gmail.com / 641-418-0026 / PO Box 241 / Corning, IA  50841-0241.  Susan is working with volunteer coordination.

Financial support for the recovery effort around the State can be sent to the Conference via your local church treasurer and should be designated “Conference Disaster Response #223”

ILLINOIS GREAT RIVERS

Webpage :- http://www.igrc.org/

Listserv :  http://www.igrc.org/Ministries.aspx  to sign up!

Disaster Response Coordinator  : Judy Doyle / First UMC, 1315 Court Street /  Pekin, IL 61554-5034 / O: 309-347-3155 / Cell: 309-241-5382 / pekin1st@yahoo.com

UMVIM Coordinator  : Rev. Ed Hoke / First UMC / 301 S. 16th St. / Herrin, IL 62948-2228 / O:  618-942-3219 / edpathoke@yahoo.com

Note from Ed Hoke :  We are up to our ears in water all over the counties bordering the Mississippi.  It is headed my way (Herrin) this weekend.  We do not expect a levee between the towns of Gorham and Grand Tower to hold.  It is badly damaged from all the big rain events and is "sloughed off" real bad.  We have created a LTRC down here to deal with the March 18 flood we had and now may have more.  Will keep in touch. 

SOUTH INDIANA

Webpage :  http://www.sicumc.org/

Listserv :  Dan Gangler for information on how to receive this dgangler@inareaumc.org

Volunteer :  If you have flood relief needs or wish to volunteer for flood relief, contact Jenni Walker, South Indiana Conference Resource Administrator at jenniwalker@mac.com  /  812-893-1760.

Disaster Response Coordinator(s) : Rev. David Powell / 820 W Mill Street / Danville, IN 46122 / 317-745-4330 / info@danvilleumc.org & Bob Babcock / 661 Peachtree Ln / Danville, IN  46122 / bobbabvim@aol.com  / 317 745 7513

UMVIM Coordinator : Jenni Walker – jenniwalker@mac.com  / 812-893-1760.

Financial support : Congregations and individuals in the South Indiana Conference can make contributions payable to The South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church with a memo: “Flood Relief Indiana” and send to: Jennifer Gallagher, Conference Treasurer / 1520 S. Liberty Dr. / Bloomington, IN 47403-5167

WISCONSIN

Webpage :  http://www.wisconsinumc.org/

Listserv :  check with mediacontact@wisconsinumc.org

Disaster Response Coordinator : Dave Sharpe / 316 Amundson Parkway / Stoughton WI 53589 / desharpe@sbcglobal.com / 608-877-8724

UMVIM Coordinator : Bruce Koch / 1560 Meadowlark Ln / Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 / lbkoch@verizon.net

download - UMVIM Disaster Response Bulletin Insert

For the latest information on breaking Disasters see the UMCOR Hotline.

Disaster areas that receive volunteer teams for long term recovery require sufficient time to assess damage and coordinate a response. Potential teams must be patient in the early stages of disaster, as the only persons allowed into such areas are Emergency Management Agency and certified personnel and law-enforcement officials. The first contact point for volunteers after a disaster is the UMCOR Volunteer Hotline (800) 918-3100. Your name will be registered to receive information on
volunteering at a site. You will be contacted as the area is able to receive volunteers.

BUFFALO STORM

South Asian Earthquake

For news of the UMC's response to this horrendous tragedy, see the UMCOR pages on the work of UMCOR with this event.

PAKISTAN: PROVIDING RELIEF, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

The  massive earthquake centered in Pakistan toppled innumerable buildings and took tens of thousands of lives. UMCOR is working through partner agencies, International Blue Crescent (IBC) and Action by Churches Together member agency Church World Service (CWS) in Pakistan to respond to this disaster.  These agencies are also preparing long-term response plans to assist families long after the initial emergency has passed.

There is tremendous need in the earthquake-affected areas.  Your gifts to UMCOR Advance #232000, Pakistan Earthquake, will help the healing continue.

from the UMCOR Hotline

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GUATEMALA - Hurricane Stan

The Highland Support Project has openings on teams to villages, Xiabaj and Xolja, impacted by Hurricane Stan and the subsequent mud slides.   Click to read about dates and additional information about these teams.

Hurricane Stan caused massive flooding and mudslides. Damage was severe and whole villages were destroyed.  Teams are requested for long term recovery by Guatemala VIM.  More info at http://www.guatemalavim.org/storm_relief.htm 

Please give generously to UMCOR Advance #501300, Central America Emergency, to help this region recover.

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Hurricane katrina - GULF COast

If you wish to take a team to Katrina affected areas, please call ahead before you plan:

Alabama-West Florida Conference Storm Center - (866) 340-1956

Louisiana United Methodist Storm Center - (877) 345.5193

Mississippi Conference Storm Center - 866/435-7091 or 7092 or 7093

Florida Conference Storm Recovery Center - (800) 282-8011 ext 149

UMCOR: (800) 544-8583

UMCOR Sager Brown Depot (800) 814-8765  

SUPPLIES - UMCOR SAGER BROWN

The top two needs are not the standard kits, but specific cleaning and bedding items that are needed to fulfill requests after 2005’s many disasters. Interim Director Ted Warnock noted that relief supplies are needed in the following order:

Teams who wish to work at Sager-Brown, the UMCOR Warehouse in Louisiana, email Volunteers@Sagerbrown.org as you organize to get the latest needs.

Financial donations can be made to "UMCOR's Material Resource Ministry," Advance No. 901440, to buy cleaning supplies that the Sager Brown Depot staff and volunteers will use to assemble flood buckets.

 CONTRIBUTE FUNDS - Help by contributing to UMCOR Advance No. 982523, "Hurricanes 2005 Global." Contributions can be made online at www.methodistrelief.org, at local churches, or by phone at (800) 554-8583. Checks can also be mailed directly to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. Checks should be written to UMCOR with the Advance number and name written on the memo line. Checks to support recovery in a specific region should reflect that.

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How to Help in Mississippi 

Disaster Response Center - click for more in Mississippi

To help with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in Mississippi
Call toll-free: 866-435-7091
E-mail: disastercenter@meridianumc.org
FAX: 601-486-4248

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hurricane Katrina - florida

Additional information on the Florida UMC response to Katrina can be found on the Florida Annual Conference website

• Volunteers for Florida hurricane recovery, please contact:
  Florida Conference Volunteer Hotline: 800-282-8011 ext 149
  Email: stormrecovery@flumc.org

For the latest news on the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference response to Hurricanes, go to: http://www.awfumc.org/ & click Disaster Recovery Ministry

• To reach the Alabama-West Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Center (Pensacola-Mobile area), please call 1.866.340.1956, disaster@awfumc.org, Fax 251-340-7363

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Hurricane Rita - Texas

Hurricane Rita hit the Texas Gulf Coast on September 24, 2005.  Over 19,000 homes have major damage.  Over 53,000 houses have minor damage.  How could anyone believe all this destruction could be rebuilt in one year?  One year later, we are still recovering.  One hundred and ten homes have been repaired, with 900 still on our list to be repaired.  Even one year later, 20-25 new calls come in each week. 

Southeast Texas needs individual volunteers and teams to come and serve.  Volunteers with known and unknown skills and abilities including roofing, drywall, and other types of repairs should come.  The age limit is 14 years and older. 

 Please contact Beverly Antilley at b50wabit@sbcglobal.net or 409-223-0118 or Ward Smith at wsmith@umcortexas.com or 409-225-3135.

get your shots!

From the Center for Disease Control, we glean that the following are REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS for those heading to the Gulf Coast:

1. Tetanus and diphtheria toxoid (receipt of primary series, and TD Booster within 10 years.)

2. Hepatitis B vaccine series for persons who will be performing direct patient care or otherwise expected to have contact with bodily fluids.

There is NO indication for the following vaccines given the anticipated conditions in the region; Hepatitis A vaccine; Typhoid vaccine; Cholera vaccine; Meningococcal vaccine; Rabies vaccine. You can follow this line of information at  www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes 

HURRICANE KATRINA - TRAINING

TRAINING - In addition to the training opportunities listed below, training for team leaders is available through UMVIM SEJ.  The next team leader training will be held May 5-7.  For more info on training:  http://www.umvim.org/Training.htm

Training is available from The Marion Edwards Recovery Center Initiatives Center (MERCI) on behalf of the NC Annual Conference Disaster Preparedness Committee. 

To register for a training session at the MERCI Center, please contact (888)-440-9167 or visit them on the web at www.merciumc.org.   Qualified ER Teams will be deployed in future relief efforts to locations as requested by local Disaster Response officials.

The Western North Carolina Conference offers training for teams.  Contact: Mike Collins mcollins@wnccumc.org (800) 562-7929 x142

The North Georgia Conference will sponsor Disaster Response Training
Contact Kathleen Nichols kathleenn@bellsouth.net 

Early Response Training is held in the South Georgia Conference - Contact: Brad Brady (brad@sgaumc.com)

UMVIM in Kentucky hosts multiple training events.  For more, contact Judy Neal; jjneal8801@aol.com

Early Response Training is held in the North Alabama Conference.  For info, contact Paulette West pwest@northalabamaumc.org 

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Hurricane relief – Mexico

 
Hurricane Emily caused severe damage on the northern coast of México.

 VIM Coordinator, Willie Berman, has requested help in the relief and recovery effort.  The work consists of building homes for those whose homes were destroyed.  These will be of cement and block construction with a tin roof.  Materials can be on site before team arrival and a local maestro will oversee the work.  

 Medical teams are also welcome.  Bible schools, work with children and sewing classes also requested.

 Housing for teams is available, varying from dorms to bedrolls on church floors.

For more information, contact:

VIM Coordinator – Mexico – Willie Berman wberman@prodigy.net.mx 956-648-8712

UMVIM Coordinator – SW Texas – Susan Hellums shellums@mcfirst.com 956-648-8509

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ASIAN TIDAL WAVE

The disaster in South and Southeast Asia is so huge, it's almost incomprehensible to us. UMCOR continues working closely with its partners, Churches Auxiliary for Social Action in India, Action by Churches Together in Indonesia, and the Sri Lanka Council of Churches, to provide survivors with supplies, fresh water, medicines, temporary shelters and other necessities. Right now, thousands of local volunteers are assisting the Methodist churches there to be the heart and hands of United Methodists everywhere.

The very best option for participation is a gift of cash. That will assure that United Methodists will continue to have a strong presence through UMCOR's work in the coming months as the recovery effort continues. You can donate at any United Methodist church, marking your check for UMCOR Advance #274305, South Asia Emergency. You can also donate online at http://MethodistRelief.org . From that page you'll be directed to a secure server where you can safely make a credit card gift.

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GRENADA

Grenada ready to receive teams after the devastation of Hurricane Ivan.
Rebuilding and/or major repairing of churches, Manses, church schools, and church halls needed following over 90% major damage or destruction of island properties due to Hurricane Ivan. Most members of the seven local churches experienced damage to their homes and churches and schools owned by the Methodist church incurred major damage or complete devastation.
To schedule a team, contact Rev. C. Stilson Cato, Superintendent Minister by calling 1-473-440-2129 (O & fax) or 1-473-406-8978 (cell). Email is gmeth@spiceisle.com or juditha@caribsurf.com.

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JAMAICA HURRICANES

Brown's Town/Edmondson Circuit - St. Ann - Central Jamaica - Eccleston Chapel

Eccleston Chapel roof damaged by hurricane winds

Lucea Circuit - 

Indigent House

A work team from the North Carolina Conference built this house after Hurricane Gilbert when they came to work at the Riverside Methodist Chapel which was damaged by the above Hurricane. The church uses this house to assist the poor people in the community.

Riverside Methodist Church

Hurricane Ivan damaged this chapel last year. After several months of fund raising including the assistance of the District, the members were able to replace the entire roof. Our present need is to paint this chapel and re-dedicate it to the glory of God.

Manchioneal Circuit - Portland - Eastern Jamaica - Kensington Manse

Hurricane has damaged roof and doors

May Pen Circuit - Clarendon - Central Jamaica - Mitchell Town Chapel

Hurricane damaged the roof and furnishings

May Pen Circuit - Clarendon - Central Jamaica - Watsonton Chapel

Repair church building, organ and furnishings due to hurricane damage

Montego Bay/Mt. Ward Circuit - Western Jamaica - St. John's Action Center

Roof damaged by hurricane

Montego Bay/Mt. Ward Circuit - Western Jamaica - Porter's Mountain Chapel

Roof damaged by hurricane

Mt. Fletcher Circuit - St. Andrew - Eastern Jamaica - Content Gap Chapel

Content Gap Chapel needs a roof from hurricane damage

St. Elizabeth Circuit - Western Jamaica - Mountainside Chapel

The hurricane has damaged the organ.

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HURRICANE DENNIS/IVAN...Alabama/W.Florida

Teams are being received for hurricane recovery through the Conference Disaster Recovery Center, please call 1.866.340.1956, disaster@awfumc.org, Fax 251-340-7363

For the latest news on the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference response to Hurricanes, go to: http://www.awfumc.org/

Also, see information below about how you can help prepare flood buckets for this and future response.

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HURRICANE dennis/ivan - Florida

Long term recovery will continue for many, many months. teams are needed constantly.

Additional information on the UMC response can be found on the
Florida Annual Conference website

• Volunteers for Florida hurricane recovery, please contact:
  Florida Conference Volunteer Hotline: 800-282-8011 ext 149
  Email: stormrecovery@flumc.org

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UMCOR needs flood buckets! The ongoing hurricane response has exhausted the supply...
Help replenish the supply at the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot. Flood buckets are filled with cleaning supplies that people use to clean their homes after floods and hurricanes. For assembly and shipping instructions, call the depot at 1-800-814-8765 or visit UMCOR's emergency kits webpage. http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/print/kits/

Send your completed flood buckets to UMCOR Sager Brown at 101 Sager Brown Road, Baldwin, LA 70514. Please note that UMCOR cannot pay for shipping or pick up flood buckets to transport them to the depot. Partnering with UMCOR to supply flood cleanup supplies are MERCI Center, North Carolina ; Midwest Distribution Center, Illinois; and Mission Central, Pennsylvania. You may also give a financial donation to purchase cleaning supplies that the Depot staff and volunteers will use to assemble flood buckets. To help purchase cleaning supplies, give to UMCOR's Material Resource Ministry, Advance #901440.

Disaster areas that receive volunteer teams for long term recovery require sufficient time to assess damage and coordinate a response. Potential teams must be patient in the early stages of disaster, as the only persons allowed into such areas are Emergency Management Agency and certified personnel and law-enforcement officials.

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HURRICANE Dennis - Cuba

In Niquero, Cuba, some 8,700 homes were destroyed.  The eight mission churches in the community are gone and 42 families are currently living in the main church as they have no homes.  Four outlying churches were destroyed as well.  There is very limited electricity and water.

The single best way for you to make a donation to the UMCOR Advance Special # 08575N. Give  through any United Methodist Church, and mark the check Adv# 08575 - Cuba, or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted.

Remember we are continuing to send teams to Cuba every month and that offers us an opportunity to send assistance to the church in this time of need. Alternative ways to offer assistance are being developed. Please be in prayer for our friends in Cuba.

For more info on the monthly teams, or any Cuba related question, contact the UMVIM Coordinator for Cuba: Aldo González afgon@aol.com

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The Marion Edwards Recovery Center Initiatives (M.E.R.C.I.), Goldsboro, NC, provides ongoing response to areas of need that have emerged in answering calls for storm relief.  For additional information, please contact Ann Huffman, Coordinator of Volunteers, at 888-440-9167 or via email: ahuffman@nccumc.org

Marion Edwards Recovery Center Initiatives (MERCI)
North Carolina Conference United Methodist Church
676 Community Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27530

888-440-9167

www.merciumc.org

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Click here for information about responding to the recent tornado in Greensburg, Kansas.

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UMCOR Depot needs supplies to respond to disasters

Flood Buckets (the supply has been greatly diminished with the recent floods and Hurricanes), Health Kits, Layette Kits and Sewing Kits. Donated goods may be sent directly to UMCOR's Depot at 131 Sager-Brown Road, Baldwin, La. 70514. For a list of needed goods and shipping instructions, call 800/814-8765 or see the Sager-Brown website. Volunteers also needed for processing supplies and donated kits.

• To learn more about the UMCOR Sager-Brown Center see their web page.

UMCOR NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE 

Hot Line for the latest disaster news: 800/841-1235.
Hot Line Volunteers - to register as a potential volunteer: 800/918-3100.