CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response continues to
assess damage and identify the immediate needs of people and
communities just hours after Hurricane Wilma struck the
southwestern coast of Florida on Oct 24. Lutheran Disaster
Response is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
"Our local Lutheran Disaster Response affiliate, Lutheran
Services in Florida, Tampa, is coordinating volunteers to help
with clean-up and rebuilding efforts," said Heather L. Feltman,
director for Lutheran Disaster Response and director for ELCA
Domestic Disaster Response.
Feltman said Hurricane Wilma traveled across Florida in
about seven hours, resulting in "six confirmed deaths and leaving
6 million people without electricity." She said the storm has
caused "anywhere from $2 billion to $10 billion in estimated
property damage. Prior to landfall in the United States, the
hurricane pounded the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, causing
extensive damage to homes and community structures."
Lutheran congregations in hurricane-affected areas are
reporting issues ranging from minimal landscape damage to missing
roofs, with one building entirely destroyed, said Feltman.
"Several small offices occupied by Lutheran Services of
Florida have reported extensive damage, including one office that
has been deemed unfit for occupation. Little has been reported
from Naples, Fla., and other points in the south -- areas thought
to be hit the hardest by Hurricane Wilma," she said.
At this point, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, Fla., show
limited damage, said Feltman. These areas are still recovering
from the 2004 hurricane season.
Lutheran Disaster Response will deploy spiritual care teams
into hurricane-impacted areas to accompany people affected by the
storm, reported Feltman.
Danielle Kearney, a statewide Lutheran Disaster Response
coordinator, reported that a shelter is in operation in Fort
Lauderdale, Fla., using battery-powered generators for
electricity. Supplies, such as ice and drinking water, are being
delivered to the shelter by various agencies around the state.
"Your prayers and gifts are needed in response to this most
recent hurricane," said Kathryn Sime, director, ELCA World Hunger
and Disaster Appeal. "Given the extent of this hurricane, our
response will be coordinated with both our international and
domestic disaster partners," she said.
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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/katrina
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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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
