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 ******************************
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
