wfn.org | Florida braces for Hurricane Georges with help of United Methodis ts

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Florida braces for Hurricane Georges with help of United Methodists

Sept. 25, 1998     Contact: Joretta Purdue*(202)546-8722*Washington
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By Bob Blair*

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has personnel in Florida to
provide training to volunteers and help to Hurricane Georges survivors
who will not  qualify for other forms of assistance.

Meanwhile, Miami Lakes United Methodist Church already is providing 150
meals three times daily to the staff and volunteers in NOAA's Hurricane
Center in south Miami, where the storm is being monitored 24 hours a
day.

Members of the UMCOR Catastrophic Disaster Response Team are providing
expedited training for disaster volunteers in Puerto Rico and the U. S.
Virgin Islands. 

UMCOR traditionally works closely with other denominations and volunteer
organizations, such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, as
well as state and local governmental agencies.  In addition, UMCOR has a
partnership working agreement with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.

Through local United Methodist churches, UMCOR will help provide aid to
individuals and families--usually the elderly, handicapped and
indigent--who do not qualify for assistance from other disaster
organizations.  They fail to qualify for disaster loans because of an
inability to repay the loans.

UMCOR assistance is provided without regard to religion, race,
nationality or sex.  The organization has been providing aid around the
world for nearly 60 years. 	While often on scene at a disaster
within the first few hours, UMCOR has the reputation of being the last
to 
leave the scene, continuing to provide assistance for up to two or three
years.

People may join the disaster response effort by calling UMCOR toll free
at  800 554-8583 to volunteer, donate goods or contribute cash. For
immediate relief, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is
recommending cash donations because it enables experienced relief
agencies "to purchase exactly what is most needed by the victims and
helps the local economy recover." Volunteers will be needed after the
emergency phase gives way to recovery.
					
# # #

*Blair, of Woodstock, Va., is a UMCOR disaster communications
consultant.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/