Disaster Response Updates: Louisiana, New Jersey and New York

Many of you have graciously asked how you can help our Louisiana neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Scott Burdin, Missouri Disaster Response Coordinator, has been in close contact with Louisiana Conference leaders and will continue to keep the Conference updated on needs. Because of Missouri’s previous involvement in disaster clean-ups in Louisiana, Missouri has been personally invited to send a specialized response team. That team and equipment will be on the ground next week.

• Please do not self-deploy unless asked. There are areas they have not yet been able to assess due to gas shortages but will do so as soon as possible. If you or your local church Disaster Response teams are interested in going to Louisiana, please contact Scott Burdin at [email protected]. The long-term recovery response is expected to last weeks and months. Long-term recovery efforts are updated at: https://www.la-umc.org/hurricanehelp.
• The best way for you and your church to immediately serve is by giving financially. Support the UMCOR disaster response by donating at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670 or giving directly to Louisiana at https://secure.anedot.com/la-conference-of-the-umc/relief.
• Please take a few minutes to watch this video from Bishop Harvey. Thank you for being on call to serve as the hands of feet of Christ and demonstrating the very best of our UMC connection.
• https://www.facebook.com/louisianaconference/videos/243200500897014.

Following the flooding yesterday and anticipated today in New Jersey and New York, Burdin has been in contact with UMCOR and the depots regarding the inventory of flood buckets. As of right now, they are content with the current inventory. Missouri Conference will issue a call for collections when we have been notified of a need. There were reports of tornado activity following the hurricane's aftermath but we have not been notified of severe damage at this time.