wfn.org | Lutherans Continue Assistance in Ohio River Valley

[ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 21, 1997

FLOOD VICTIMS IN OHIO RIVER VALLEY NOT FORGOTTEN
97-19-054-MR

       CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "In the little towns and villages of
southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky, people are still trying to
rebuild their homes after the devastating floods in March along the
Ohio River and its tributaries," said the Rev. Leon A. Phillips Jr.,
executive director for Lutheran Disaster Response.  "Lutheran
volunteers are still helping -- more than three hundred of them so far
-- in an area where Lutherans are few and far between," he said.
       Lutheran Disaster Response, a joint ministry of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, has
issued $37,380 in initial grants for emergency response in the flood
areas of northern Kentucky and southwestern Ohio.  Lutheran Disaster
Response has assigned Carroll Grimes, Cincinnati, as the volunteer
coordinator for cleanup and recovery efforts.
       "Nearly 30 families in Vinton, Ohio, are in need of home
repairs, furniture, appliances and more," said Grimes.  "Thirteen
sites in Vinton are currently in some stage of  construction.  In
Russell, Ky., Lutheran Disaster Response continues to distribute food,
emergency supplies and pastoral care to those affected by the floods,"
he said.
       "Lutheran pastors have organized and directed over 100 team
members from their congregations and other local congregations to
distribute food, cleaning supplies and counseling.  They have been
active 'hands on' pastors in cleanup and rebuilding both structures
and lives," said Grimes.
       Lutheran Social Services of the Miami Valley has produced a
newsletter to provide information about the relief efforts of Lutheran
Disaster Response for the Ohio River Valley.  The two-page newsletter,
published monthly, identifies the needs of individuals impacted by the
flood and spotlights congregations and individuals who have provided
cleanup and recovery assistance.  The first issue was published in
March.
       An alliance has been formed to plan for long-term help after
federal funds are expended.  The alliance brings together case
management workers with interfaith groups such as Lutheran Disaster
Response in four Ohio counties and four Kentucky counties.
       Lutheran relief efforts in Ohio and Kentucky, and parts of
Indiana as well, will continue throughout the summer, said Grimes.
       Lutheran Disaster Response has issued $367,960 in initial
grants for emergency response in the flood areas of Minnesota and
North and South Dakota.  The new statewide coordinator for Lutheran
Social Services of North Dakota is Deanna Ruggier, Fargo, N.D.  She
replaces Bonnie Turner as the person for volunteers to contact.
Lutheran Disaster Response carries out its ministry through Lutheran
Social Services of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
       "The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was there as the
waters approached and the battles were fought.  As the waters receded,
the relief efforts began.  The needs continue to change every day, and
the ELCA, working with our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod partners as
Lutheran Disaster Response, will be there as long as it takes," said
Phillips.

CLEANUP VOLUNTEERS CONTACT:

Ohio             -    Carroll Grimes      -    1-800-664-5947
North Dakota     -    Deanna Ruggier      -    1-888-356-6343
South Dakota     -    Ray Engh            -    1-605-373-4224
Minnesota        -    Melanie Josephson   -    1-612-642-5990

DOMESTIC DISASTERS

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to
survivors of major disasters including the United States, Puerto Rico
or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

                   Lutheran Disaster Response
                         P.O. Box 71764
                    Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                          800-638-3522

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html