wfn.org | Lutherans Respond to Disasters in Kansas and Mississippi

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 8, 2001

LUTHERANS RESPOND TO DISASTERS IN KANSAS AND MISSISSIPPI
01-047-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod, is participating in recovery efforts in northern
Mississippi, after a tornado killed five people there last month, and in
Hutchinson, Kan., after a natural gas explosion killed two people in a
mobile home park there in January.
     In Pontotoc, Miss., more than 300 homes were destroyed or damaged,
said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response.
     "An initial $5,000 grant was provided by Lutheran Disaster
Response to assist with emergency needs and cleanup efforts," Furst
said.  Volunteers are cutting fallen trees, and local congregations are
providing shelter, food and other basic needs, he said.
     Lutheran Social Ministries of Mississippi, Jackson, is managing
recovery efforts on behalf of Lutheran Disaster Response.  Lutherans are
also part of an interfaith response organization that has formed in
Pontotoc to help with recovery efforts.
     "Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to helping rebuild and
restore dignity and life to the people of Pontotoc and other areas
affected," Furst said.
     A natural gas explosion in a mobile home park killed two people
and destroyed one house in Hutchinson, Kan., said Furst.
     "Local officials evacuated people from 191 homes and 43 businesses
there.   The park remains closed and residents may never return to live
there," Furst said.
     "Needs are great among the evacuees.  Many are elderly people on
fixed incomes, some are physically and/or mentally challenged and others
are young, working poor families," he said.
     Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of
Kansas/Oklahoma, Wichita, Kan., are helping to provide food, medicine
and clothing.  "Special needs" include rental assistance, relocation
costs, home repairs and medical care, Furst 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