wfn.org | Disaster Relief Funds Pour into the Carolinas

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

20-September-1999 
99311 
 
    Disaster Relief Funds Pour into the Carolinas 
 
    Presbyterian and Ecumenical Aid is Sent 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-While Hurricane Floyd failed to live up to its advance 
billing as the "storm of the century," it nevertheless caused widespread 
damage along the east coast of the United States, particularly in North 
Carolina. 
 
    Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has rushed $50,000 from the One 
Great Hour of Sharing offering to both New Hope and Coastal Carolina 
presbyteries and stands ready to provide additional financial assistance to 
other affected presbyteries as damage assessments become available. 
 
    In addition, Church World Service (CWS) has issued a $100,000 appeal to 
its member communions to provide emergency materials, perform initial 
assessments and plan long-term interfaith recovery work in Hurricane 
Floyd's wake. 
 
    Funds will go to CWS clean-up kits, blankets, tents and other material 
resources as needed.  Disaster response consultants will perform 
assessments and help organize interfaith networks to plan long-term 
recovery work. 
 
    CWS has also been in contact with Habitat for Humanity about working in 
partnership on housing reconstruction through local interfaith groups in 
devastated areas. 
 
    Floyd claimed at least 18 lives, damaged thousands of homes, uprooted 
trees, and caused extensive flooding.  The storm dumped almost 20 inches of 
rain in parts of North Carolina, prompting Gov. Jim Hunt to describe the 
ongoing flooding as the worst in the state's history. 
 
    An initial report to PDA from New Hope Presbytery Executive Barbara 
Campbell-Davis indicates flooding at Westhaven Presbyterian Church and the 
presbytery office in Rocky Mount, as well as First Presbyterian Church in 
Greenville, N.C.. 
 
    Due to the extensive flooding, PDA was been unable to make contact with 
the staff of Coastal Carolina Presbytery before the weekend. 
 
    Scott Cupp in the Synod of the Northeast reports that the steeple of 
Imani Community Church in Trenton, N.J., fell through the roof and 
sanctuary floor, crashing into the boiler in the church's basement.  On a 
brighter note, Bound Brook (N.J.) Presbyterian Church in New Brunswick 
Presbytery is serving as a shelter for evacuees. 
 
    Presbyterians may respond financially by designating gifts for 
Hurricanes/Tropical Storms 1999, #9-2000143.  As soon as the flood waters 
recede, volunteer work teams will be needed for clean- up, repair, and 
rebuilding.  Please call PresbyTel at 800-872-3283 to register your team. 
Presbyterians wishing to provide material donations are encouraged to 
assemble "Gift of the Heart" kits.  Information on kit contents and 
shipping instructions is available from PresbyTel. 

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