CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, is taking part in recovery efforts in Siren, Wis., after a tornado struck the town June 18.
"The tornado damaged or destroyed about 120 homes in this town of about 900 residents," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Milwaukee, is managing relief efforts on behalf of Lutheran Disaster Response.
"An interfaith response organization will be formed and local Lutherans will participate in that effort. Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services have teams of 'First Responders' on hand to do assessments and assist with mental health crisis outposts," said Furst.
Disaster response volunteers are cutting fallen trees, and local congregations are providing shelter, food and other basic needs, Furst said. "Local cleanup volunteers are needed," 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
