wfn.org | Lutherans Continue Disaster Relief Operations in Four States

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 21, 1999

LUTHERANS CONTINUE DISASTER RELIEF OPERATIONS IN FOUR STATES
99-181-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In 90 minutes three inches of rain fell July 9
in Las Vegas, an area that typically receives four inches of rain a
year, said Johanna Olson, assistant for Domestic Disaster Response of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
     Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a ministry of the ELCA and The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is helping survivors whose properties
are uninsured or underinsured, said Lisa Ashley, president of Lutheran
Social Services (LSS) of Nevada, Las Vegas.  LDR is working through LSS
of Nevada.
     The front landscape of Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, Las Vegas,
has been washed out, and more than 95 homes were affected by the rain,
said Ashley.
     LSS of Nevada is actively assisting families and individuals.
Ashley is also attempting to match volunteers and their services with
people needing help.  The volunteer response has been great so far, but,
as with any other disaster, cash sometimes is the best help, she said.
     LSS of Nevada received $5,000 for recovery efforts from Lutheran
Disaster Response and $5,000 from Aid Association for Lutherans, a
fraternal benefits society based in Appleton, Wis.
     Lutheran Disaster Response continues to organize relief efforts in
Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.  Volunteers are needed to help with
recovery efforts.
     Thirty-eight tornadoes struck Arkansas Jan. 21.  In Royal Oaks, a
small community southwest of Little Rock, volunteers are needed for
demolition, debris removal and rebuilding, said the Rev. Gilbert B.
Furst, director for LDR and ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.  "Skilled
volunteers are not required, but installing sheetrock, roofing, painting
and general carpentry skills are helpful," Furst said.
     In Moore and Mulhall, Okla., debris removal and rebuilding efforts
have begun after tornadoes struck there last May.  "People with
carpentry, drywall hanging and finishing, framing, painting and roofing
skills are needed," said Furst.
     In October, floods affected more than 1,300 square miles in south
central and southeastern Texas.  LDR is working in collaboration with
two interfaith organizations -- Victoria County Interfaith in Victoria,
Texas, and DeWitt County Cares in Cuero, Texas.
     Furst said all volunteers are welcome.  Helpful skills include
framing, drywall hanging and finishing, plumbing and electrical wiring.
     "People in the above states face an enormous challenge as they
rebuild their lives," Furst said.

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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:

                 Lutheran Disaster Response
                       P.O. Box 71764
                   Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                        800-638-3522
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For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html