United Church of Christ disaster response coordinators in the Northern Plains and Minnesota Conferences, Lindy Holt and Bob Broeder are meeting daily with the states’ Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). The VOADs in both North Dakota and Minnesota have been organizing volunteers locally to sandbag; to prepare communities where flooding will occur; and, to begin to look at immediate and long term response. Both coordinators are working with the wider community on behalf of the United Church of Christ.
The UCC church in Moorhead, MN is now being used as a shelter as people are evacuated from their homes. There have been no reports of damages to UCC church facilities at this time.
The United Church of Christ is seeking $50,000 to respond to needs in both North Dakota and Minnesota. Funds will be used in the immediate response to assist communities as they begin to clean out homes:
Did you know? -- $7.98 will purchase one each: Tyvek coverall with hood and boot, chemical splash goggle, nitrile glove, and N95 respirator. This equipment will help to protect home owners and volunteers during clean up.
Did you know? -- the average recovery time for communities impacted by major flooding is 2 to 3 years?
As long term recovery committees are able to address needs of person with no insurance or those who are underinsured, we will be seeking volunteer work groups to assist with repairing and rebuilding homes.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. Pray for people who live in communities affected by floods.
2. To help those affected by disasters you may, send gifts payable to your congregation marked for OGHS special fund Emergency USA: 2009 floods with the request they be sent through your Conference office on to Wider Church Ministries.
OR
3. Send gifts, made out to Wider Church Ministries and marked in the memo portion OGHS special fund Emergency USA: 2009 floods to UCC Financial Services; Wider Church Ministries; 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.
OR
4. Make a secure on-line donation