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UMCOR Disaster Response Network Assists the Most Vulnerable Wilma SurvivorsNEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2005—Hurricane Wilma is the latest in a string of major hurricanes to strike the US. Its strong winds tore a path across South Florida, blowing off roofs, shattering windows, and tearing down trees. In this active storm season, responders feel weary and, in some cases, have been slow to be on the scene following this latest hurricane. Not so with United Methodists. Because of the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s trained network of disaster responders, and the Florida Annual Conference’s experienced staff, Wilma survivors are getting the help they need. Seeking Out the Most Vulnerable UMCOR disaster response consultant, Christy Smith, toured damage along Florida’s east coast to find United Methodists responding to the needs of their community, seeking out those left especially vulnerable by Hurricane Wilma. After her assessment of the damage and witnessing all United Methodists are doing to help Wilma survivors – from shelters to food to pastoral care, Ms. Smith commented, “Again and again I am overwhelmed and awed by the dignity of those who endured so much.” United Methodists in the Tamarack area of Florida are going door-to-door in 19 buildings housing seniors to ensure they have food and other essentials. Rader United Methodist Church in Miami has opened its doors to become a distribution center in spite of no electricity and a downed tree on the building. And there are others, providing food and shelter and seeking out migrant workers and low-income families who might be otherwise overlooked. Long before a disaster strikes, UMCOR works to prepare annual conference personnel to respond. Through trainings in early response, spiritual and emotional care, and other topics UMCOR’s disaster response network is equipped to respond appropriately to their community’s needs. |
 Marilyn Swanson, Florida Conference Storm Recovery Project Manager, visits with some children at the Branches feeding ministry for Hurricane Wilma survivors at Florida City United Methodist Church's. Christy Smith/UMCOR How You Can HelpGive: Your generous gift to UMCOR Advance #982523, Hurricanes 2005 will help those affected by this year’s hurricanes. If you would like your donation to go to those affected by a specific hurricane or a specific region, please note that in the memo line of your check. You can give online, at your church, over the phone at 1-800-554-8583, or by mailing a check directly to: UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. Checks should be written to UMCOR with the Advance number and name written on the memo line of your check. Send: There is an urgent need for both health kits and school kits. These collections of everyday items will provide displaced families with some basic necessities. The health kits contain items such as a toothbrush, wash cloth, and soap. The school kits contain items like paper, pencils, and items to help children start school. For assembly and shipping instructions, call UMCOR Sager Brown at 1-800-814-8765 or visit the UMCOR website. You may also give a financial donation to to UMCOR's Material Resource Ministry, Advance #901440 to purchase kit supplies that the Depot staff and volunteers will use to assemble health kits and school kits. Go: Volunteers will be needed in hurricane recovery. To find out how you can help with hurricane cleanup, contact your United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Jurisdictional Coordinator. A list of these coordinators is available on the web at http://gbgm-umc.org/vim/vimcoords.htm or write Mission Volunteers at voluntrs@gbgm-umc.org for contact information. They will provide details on creating and training a team as well as scheduling details. For information on what disaster sites are currently scheduling volunteers, call the Volunteer Hotline at 800-918-3100. Resources
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