wfn.org | Lutherans Participate in Recovery Efforts in Wisconsin

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 25, 2001

LUTHERANS PARTICIPATE IN RECOVERY EFFORTS IN WISCONSIN
01-174-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran
Church Missouri Synod, is taking part in recovery efforts in Siren,
Wis., after a tornado struck the town June 18.
     "The tornado damaged or destroyed about 120 homes in this town
of about 900 residents," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for
Lutheran Disaster Response.
     Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan,
Milwaukee, is managing relief efforts on behalf of Lutheran Disaster
Response.
     "An interfaith response organization will be formed and local
Lutherans will participate in that effort.  Lutheran Disaster
Response and Lutheran Social Services have teams of 'First
Responders' on hand to do assessments and assist with mental health
crisis outposts," said Furst.
     Disaster response volunteers are cutting fallen trees, and
local congregations are providing shelter, food and other basic
needs, Furst said.  "Local cleanup volunteers are needed," he said.
- - -
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to
survivors of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or
the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:
               ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
                       P.O. Box 71764
                   Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                        800-638-3522

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html