wfn.org | Lutherans Organize Cleanup Efforts In Minnesota, New York

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 15, 2004

Lutherans Organize Cleanup Efforts In Minnesota, New York
04-195-MRC

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is organizing cleanup efforts in
Minnesota and New York.  Heavy rain produced floods in both
states, which were declared federal disaster sites on Oct. 7.
     The result of the flooding in Minnesota "has been
significant water and sewage backup in homes.  Cleanup crews have
been working diligently to help homeowners clean and sanitize
their homes.  With cold weather fast approaching, there is great
concern to help homeowners replace furnaces and water tanks,"
said Heather L. Feltman, director, Lutheran Disaster Response and
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.
     More than 3,000 homes, plus businesses and crops in
southeastern Minnesota were "outright devastated" when 11 inches
of rain fell there Sept. 14, said Annie Lynsen, communication
director, ELCA Southeastern Minnesota Synod, Rochester, Minn.
Specific areas that were declared federal disaster sites include
Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower and Steele counties.
     ELCA church buildings "were generally unaffected, although
some parsonages suffered minor damage," Lynsen said.  Some
churches served as temporary shelters for those affected by the
floods, including Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams, Minn.
     Ascension Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, Minn., served as
temporary headquarters for the work of Lutheran Disaster Response
and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSSMN), St. Paul,
Minn., until Sept. 29.
     "More than a month after flooding, the needs of the people
affected continue," Lynsen said.
     She said members and staff of Lutheran Disaster Response and
LSSMN have partnered to address the needs of people affected by
the floods.  "They set-up headquarters in Albert Lea and Austin
and [deployed] counselors for those who needed help, and
coordinated volunteers and equipment to help people," Lynsen
said, adding that several informational meetings were held around
the ELCA Southeastern Minnesota Synod "to explain the effects of
disasters on communities."
     "This is a time to pray for one another," wrote the Rev.
Harold L. Usgaard, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Minnesota
Synod, in a letter and e-mail to members of the synod.	"I am
thankful for the tireless work of Lutheran Disaster Response and
other helping organizations. I am impressed with the efforts of
pastors and lay leaders who organize, visit and care for
neighbors in their communities.  I am inspired by the tireless
efforts of individuals and families so willing to volunteer," he
said.
     In New York, six south and southeast counties near New York
City have been declared federal disaster sites, said Johanna
Olson, assistant, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.  Lutheran
Disaster Response-New York is responding to the unmet needs of
communities and residents affected by flooding there, she said.
- - -
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds to aid
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,
Illinois 60694-1764
Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.elca.org/disaster

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news