CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS), continues to organize recovery efforts after tornadoes and floods struck 68 counties in southern Illinois this past spring. Two people died and dozens of others were injured as a result of the tornadoes.
The storms damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes in southern Illinois, said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director, Lutheran Disaster Response.
According to Church World Service, Furst said, "families in the area of southern Illinois [earn] a very low income." Due to the closing of coal mines and a major industry, this part of the state has experienced major economic setbacks, he said. The ELCA participates in the work of Church World Service.
"The number of uninsured people in the area is very high and the ability for people to qualify for SBA (Small Business Administration) loans is low. Reports indicate that many communities here do not have the resources available to meet national flood insurance requirements. Therefore, residents in the communities do not receive federal assistance, even when there is a declaration of disaster," Furst said.
Lutheran Children and Family Services of Illinois is managing Lutheran Disaster Response efforts, he said. "Lutheran Disaster Response is working in coordination with the Centralia-based Long-Term Recovery Committee, which is active in the south-central Illinois counties of Bond, Jefferson, Marion and Wayne. At least 60 families in this area have 'severe recovery needs,'" said Furst.
"As Lutheran Disaster Response responds to hurting people whose disaster never made the headlines, the church will be present to write the rest of the story," Furst said. "Your prayers will sustain those who are affected. Your donations will help the church offer God's help and hope," 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
