CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Recovery efforts continue in North Carolina more than one year after Hurricane Floyd struck there, according to the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Hurricane Floyd killed 52 people in an area from the Bahamas to New England, causing destruction in eight states in September 1999.
"Latest statistics indicate that 55,000 homes were damaged," Furst said. Of the 55,000 homes, 17,000 are uninhabitable and 7,000 are destroyed, he said.
"Most survivors have plowed through a frustrating maze of paperwork, but for many with limited resources rebuilding is just beginning. Most people are still not anywhere near returning to their homes," Furst said. "But, there is progress."
George Strunk, a coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response, said 72 teams of 579 volunteers have made a significant contribution to the situation in North Carolina.
More than $800,000 has been provided to fund relief efforts, and "unknown amounts of food, cleanup supplies and furniture were distributed," Furst said.
"A portable personal care unit -- mobile shower and toilet facilities for volunteers -- is being put into service because of the generosity" of Women of the ELCA members in North Carolina, Lutheran Brotherhood (LB) and Lutheran Disaster Response of North Carolina, Furst said. LB is a fraternal benefits organization based in Minneapolis. Aid Association for Lutherans, a fraternal benefits organization based in Appleton, Wis., provided funds for a new disaster cargo van.
"Lutheran Disaster Response will be present in North Carolina, offering help and hope for the long run," said Furst. "But, more angels are needed -- volunteers to come in Jesus' name and deliver good news in this adverse situation," he 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
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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
