The following information is compiled from a variety of commmunity, state, and federal resources in an effort to provide a clearing house location for information as it becomes available. Please let us know of other resources, sites, or information that would be helpful to include (Email relief@MissionHuntsville.org). Thank you!
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Church Hurricane Relief Mobilization - Churches of the Valley Uniting in Disaster Relief!
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Update from Area-Wide Church Task Force Chairman |
An update from Bob Sloan - Chairman, Tennessee Valley Hurricane Relief Task Force:
Tennessee Valley Hurricane Relief
Local Church Mobilization
Christian churches in the Tennessee Valley have responded in an unprecedented cooperative outreach to victims of recent hurricanes, both locally and along the Gulf coast. A task force of area churches has developed a website (www.TNValleyHurricaneRelief.com) where local churches can register their commitment to support relief efforts, and where they can learn of needs posted by others. Information helpful to evacuees in finding sources of short-term assistance is also provided on the website. Additionally, in order to help local churches identify the needs of local evacuees, the task force is planning an area-wide “Resource Fair” to help local evacuees and local churches and non-profit relief agencies make contact.
The website (www.TNValleyHurricaneRelief.com) is intended to be a long-term resource for coordinating work between area churches. Local churches are asked to register on the website using the authorization “jointhecause”. In addition to the many distributed tasks that each local congregation performs independently, seven cooperative tasks are identified on the website, and churches are asked to identify points of contact for all tasks in which they desire to participate. These interchurch contacts will become a task-oriented network capable of responding to needs in a coordinated fashion on an area-wide basis. Furthermore, with the website as a clearinghouse for needs and resources, duplicated efforts will be minimized, with less chance of overlooking other needs. An added benefit of using the website will be the opportunity for any local church to find an entry point for each of the shared tasks. Finally, the website provides a centralized place for anyone to post disaster-related relief needs. As they meet these needs, any registered church can remove the specific needs from the list. In this way, both those providing relief and those needing it can be satisfied the needs list is current.
It is a primary goal of the local churches to extend the love of Christ to newcomers to the area. The Resource Fair will provide local evacuees with the opportunity to meet with area non-profit relief agencies and churches to help them find jobs, housing, food, clothing, furniture, and health care services. Additionally, local evacuees will be asked to register so that area churches can extend hospitality and a helping hand in meeting their intermediate and long-term needs.
Task Definitions
Common (Distributed) Tasks Performed By All Local Churches:
1. Prayer – As is your tradition, pray for healing, guidance, provision, intercession, unity.
2. Family – Meeting the special needs of all ages (diapers & formula, child care, tutoring, elderly/disabled) for evacuees under your congregational care
3. Feeding – Prepared meals, served locally, as necessary
4. Finance – Each one giving as he is able through the local church to support basic intermediate and long term needs of specific evacuees under your congregational care
5. Transportation – Helping evacuees under your care get where they need to go
Complementary (Centralized) Tasks Performed in Cooperative Fashion
1. Clothing – Basic clothing needs, plus linens, towels, pillows, and blankets.
2. Communications – Telephone, email, internet, mail, and mass media
3. Food – non perishable food supplies, distributed both locally and in affected costal areas
4. Housing – short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term
5. Jobs – helping everyone find suitable local employment
6. Medical Care – both professional care and medications
7. Trips – short-term trips to clean-up, rebuild, or provide special services
Local Red Cross Role:
1. Receive evacuees into local area.
2. Provide essential transitional services.
3. Refer evacuees to available localized and distributed services.
4. Identify names, location, and contact information of evacuees to the Church.
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Central Resource Database for Churches of the Valley |
Tennessee Valley Hurricane Relief
Instructions for Use
Critical Information for Evacuees
Central Resource Database for Churches of the Valley!
Summary
Following a meeting of over 100 local valley churches with the Red Cross at Asbury United Methodist Church to consider how we could centralize information about resources and needs in the disaster relief efforts, a Church Hurricane Relief Task Force was formed to help fill the vacuum of information and structure for the hurricane relief efforts.
An online database has been created to offer a free central clearinghouse of information to churches of the valley in tracking resources donated or available.
PLEASE note this FREE central resource has incredible possibility, but its usefulness is dependant on your church or organization registering and logging any RESOURCES you have available, EFFORTS you are involved in, or NEEDS you are aware of regarding relief efforts.
In addition please freely use this central resource when you come across needs during relief efforts to match with available resources!
Relief Information posted can include any of the following and more:
Relief Resources available and/or items/inventory donated for Disaster Relief
(i.e. food, clothing, employment opportunities, housing, etc.)
Relief Efforts - both local or distant/on-site
(i.e. ministry or compassion efforts, mission trips, construction or clean-up trips, etc.)
Relief Events - Training, meetings, or opportunities
(i.e. whether for people displaced, or for volunteers or those willing to help in relief efforts, etc.)
Relief Needs that do not have a matching resource currently available
(i.e. wheelchair bound transportation, etc.)
Instructions for Use
The central resource web site (http://www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com) is intuitive for those familiar with online forms and menus, but the following details are included to optionally provide specific instructions, and to clarify intended purpose and use.
1.) PLEASE UPDATE THIS DATABASE WITH YOUR CHURCH OR ORGANIZATION RESOURCES, EFFORTS, OR NEEDS REGARDING RELIEF EFFORTS!
2.) OPTIONALLY, SIGN-UP AS A CHURCH OR ORGANIZATION POINT-OF-CONTACT FOR NETWORKING TOGETHER AREA-WIDE IN SPECIFIC COMMON RELIEF TASKS.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS, IF HELPFUL
TO REGISTER - REQUIRED TO ADD OR MODIFY INFORMATION, OR TO ACCESS COMMON TASK LIST CONTACTS
Registration and use is free. Ownership of information is tracked by email address (provided at registration). It is requested currently that only churches and organizations register and update information (with the exception of needs). If you are an individual, please reference How Individuals Can Help.
You may register to make updates for a church or organization as follows:
1.) Go to the web site - http://www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
2.) Click the Register menu item
3.) Fill in the Register Form fields with:
a.) your Email Address,
b.) create your Password, and
c.) enter the Authorization Code jointhecause
4.) Click the Register button to submit
TO ADD OR MODIFY INFORMATION - registration required
Please note that if you add information, ownership is tracked by email address, so only you can change or delete it (and anyone responding to the item will be pointed to you). For this reason it is encouraged the church or organizations adding information have a primary contact person responsible to update/change/delete information as appropriate.
You may modify information posted by a church or organization (if you posted it) as follows:
1.) Go to the web site - http://www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
2.) Click the Log In menu item
3.) Log In using the Email Address and Password you provided at registration
4.) Add or Modify information through menu items (i.e. Enter an Item, Edit an Item, or Delete an Item)
TO SIGN-UP OR ACCESS COMMON RELIEF TASK LISTS AND CONTACTS - registration required
The intent is to enable congregation or organization points-of-contact to network together area-wide in these specific common relief tasks in the areas of current involvement or interest. These points-of-contact create a mini-task force or network among those focusing on this task to help communicate together and coordinate the common effort area-wide.
CURRENT COMMON RELIEF TASK LISTS INCLUDE:
Clothing |
basic clothing needs, plus linens, towels, pillows, and blankets |
Communications |
telephone, email, internet, mail, and mass media |
Food |
non perishable food supplies, distributed both locally and in affected costal areas |
Housing |
short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term |
Jobs |
helping everyone find suitable local employment |
Medical Care |
both professional care and medications |
Trips |
short-term trips to clean-up, rebuild, or provide special services |
You may sign-up or access the common task list contacts as follows:
1.) Go to the web site - http://www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
2.) Click the Log In menu item
3.) Log In using the Email Address and Password you provided at registration
4.) Click the Intraorganizational Contacts menu item
5.) To Sign-Up click the Add Contact menu item and provide your contact information (and team of interest)
6.) To View Contacts for a Task List Team click the appropriate task menu item
TO ADD A NEED - no registration required
You may add a need to be listed as follows:
1.) Go to the web site - http://www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
2.) Click the Post a Need menu item
3.) Enter the information regarding the need and submit it
TO VIEW AVAILABLE INFORMATION (RESOURCES AVAILABLE, OR NEEDS LISTED) - no registration required
You may view available resources, efforts, events, or needs as follows:
1.) Go to the web site - http://www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
2.) Click the View Donations menu item to see resources available, efforts occurring, or events scheduled
3.) Click the View Posted Needs menu item to view needs listed
ADDITIONAL HELP
If there are additional questions they may be addressed to help@tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com, or you may email the database web master here
This continues to be refined to meet the needs of the church relief efforts. Please provide feedback of ideas that could help make this tool more useful.
Also, a very special THANK YOU to Bob Sloan (Director of Missions, Asbury UMC) for providing leadership in helping to define the structure and definition of the following web site, and to Erin Spiceland for her prompt and flexible implementation, tremendous help, and web design of the actual site!
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Central Resource Site
Critical Information for Evacuees
Evacuees - Meeting Your Top 10 Needs - A Fact Sheet
Provided by The Volunteer Center of Madison County
1. Register with The American Red Cross - Have a Picture ID and Proof of Residence from affected area
1101 Washington Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 - 256-536-0084
2. Sign up with FEMA
1-800-621-3362 (very busy lines) or www.fema.org
3. Contact The Volunteer Center of Madison County regarding housing
912 B Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801 - 256-539-7797 or www.volunteerhsv.org
4. Get Food
Salvation Army - 2114 Oakwood Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35810, 256-536-5769
Christmas Charities Year Round - 2840 Jordan Lane, Huntsville, AL 35816, 256-837-2373
For Hot Meals:
Downtown Rescue Mission - 2411 9th Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805, 256-536-2441
TN Valley Hurricane Relief - Central Resource Database for Churches of the Valley - www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
5. Get your Driver’s License
For LA residents – apply to Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at www.express-lane or 877-368-5463
For MS residents – apply to Mississippi Department of Public Safety at www.dps.state.ms.us or 601-987-1279
For AL residents – call 866-283-2838
Evacuees from LA and MS who are in AL - 866-283-2838 or www.dps.state.al.us
6. Get your Social Security Card
Visit the Social Security office at 5021 Bradford Drive NW in Cummings Research Park.
256-837-7010 or www.ssa.gov or 800-772-1213
7. Register your children for school
Huntsville City Schools - 428-6800, 428-6890, 428-6893
Madison City Schools - 464-8370
Madison County Schools - 852-2557
8. Contact Family & Children Services regarding Food Stamps
Food Stamp Office/Family & Children Services - 2206 Oakwood Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35810, 256-535-4500
9. Locate Clothes & Furniture
Christmas Charities Year Round - 2840 Jordan Lane, Huntsville, AL 35816, 256-837-2373
Catholic Center for Concern - 1010 Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-536-0041
Salvation Army - 2114 Oakwood Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-536-5576
St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store - 2140 Jonathan Drive, Huntsville, AL 35810, 256-851-8881
Asbury United Methodist Church - Thrift Store and Food Pantry - 980 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758, 256-837-0365
Whitesburg Baptist Church - 6806 Whitesburg Drive S, Huntsville, AL 35802, 256-881-0952 ext. 705
TN Valley Hurricane Relief - Central Resource Database for Churches of the Valley - www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
10. Find employment -www.al.com , www.huntsvillejobs.com , www.tnvalleyhurricanerelief.com
Optionally, Download this Fact Sheet
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Information for Arriving Evacuees
Provided by First Baptist Church
- Register with the Red Cross, Monday through Friday, 8am – 4:30pm at the following location: Red Cross, 1101 Washington Street, Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-536-0084
- You will need a picture ID and proof of residence within effected areas.
- Register online with FEMA at www.FEMA.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Housing information is being coordinated through the Volunteer Center of Madison County. You can reach them online at www.volunteerhsv.org or by phone at 539-7797
- If you need financial help for your utility deposits contact Community Action partnership at 851-9800 or 3516 Stringfield Rd. In addition, they will be located at First Baptist Church Christian Life Center, 600 Governors Drive, Sept. 26-30, 8am – 4:30pm.
- If you need WIC call 533-0826 (Max Luther ) or 720-0045(Huntsville Hospital) Monday through Friday.
- To be eligible, you must be one of the following:
- A pregnant woman
- A breastfeeding woman
- A woman who just had a baby
- An infant or child under 5 years of age
- If you are receiving Child support, contact:
- Louisiana: 1-800-256-4650 or 1-225922-8100
- Mississippi: 1-866-388-2836
- You can apply for food stamps at 2206 Oakwood Ave
- You can apply for unemployment compensation at:
- Louisiana: Call 1-800-818-7811, 3pm – 7pm
- Mississippi: Call 1-888-524-3578, 7am – 7pm
- Alabama: Call 1-866-234-5382, 7am – 4:30pm
- If you need to replace your drivers license or ID :
- If you need to replace your social security card you can apply at 5021 Bradford Drive, Monday through Friday 8:30am – 3:30 pm. Office number is 837-7010. You can also apply online at www.ssa.gov
- If you need to enroll your child/children in school call Huntsville City schools at 428-6800, 428-6890 or 428-6893. For Madison City call Madison School System at 464-8370. For Madison County School system call 852-2557.
- To locate missing family members: http://news.yahoo.com/katrinahelp
- To change your mailing address apply online www.usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777 or any post office will have forms for you to complete.
For other needs, contact the community HELPLINE at 256-716-1000 |
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Hurricane Relief Resource Fair |
The Church Disaster Relief Task Force
Local churches working cooperatively as the Body of Christ bringing relief to disaster victims |
HURRICANE RELIEF RESOURCE FAIR!
Hurricane Relief Resource Fair - Von Braun Center (Thursday, Oct 20th, 1pm-4pm)
The Church Disaster Relief Task Force is hosting a Hurricane Relief Resource Fair with the support of The Red Cross and The Volunteer Center of Madison County to help connect continually changing needs of evacuees with resources available through community agencies and the Churches of the Valley!
Time: |
1:00pm - 4:00pm |
Date: |
Thursday, October 20th, 2005 |
Location: |
VBC East Hall (directly across from the Ticket Office, Monroe Street entrance - Map) |
If you would be willing to help or would like to represent a ministry, church, community organization, or area business to communicate free resources available to evacuees, please RSVP though the online form at the following link (or phone below) by Monday October 17th. Note: The purpose is to connect available resources with needs, and not to distribute resources at the VBC. Space to exhibit at the Resource Fair is FREE!
Hurricane Relief Resource Fair (HRRF) - www.MissionHuntsville.org/HRRF
Contact Information:
Hurricane Relief Resource Fair (HRRF) - Printable Flyer (PDF)
Web: www.MissionHuntsville.org/HRRF (Churches/Organizations please RSVP for Resource Fair here!)
Email: HurricaneRelief@AsburyUMC.ws - Asbury United Methodist Church
Phone: 256.837.2665 - Mt. Zion Baptist Church
FAX: 256.837.2802 (if prefer to fax RSVP form, please use this number)
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Manna House Disaster Relief |
MANNA HOUSE DISASTER RELIEF
OPERATION RESTORATION
Valley Churches, Businesses, City Leaders Coordinate to Turn Abandoned Hotel into Survivor's Sanctuary
Operation Restoration is made of a coalition of Manna House, area churches and businesses. This coalition is working together to offer housing, meals, job placement, medical, long-term housing and governmental assistance to those that have been forced to evacuate the Gulf Coast because of Hurricane Katrina.
Operation Restoration will begin offering housing September 13th to evacuees. Initially, we will have 40 rooms that will house up to 120 people. Within 2 weeks we hope to have all 140 rooms renovated to house between 300 - 400 evacuees for six months to a year. With the seal of approval of Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer, as of September 8, 2005 we will begin to clean up and restore all services to the old Ramada Inn located at 3502 South Memorial Parkway. We desire to see Job Placement, Medical Care, Huntsville City Schools, Social Security Administration and Daycare assistance provided for evacuees.
If you desire to support this effort please call 256-533-9292 for more information. If you want to volunteer your time, please add your name to our e-mail list at the Manna House Disaster Relief web site - www.MannaHouseDisasterRelief.org. You must be over 18 years old or accompanied by a guardian to participate in this effort.
If you want to make a donation of services (Carpet, plumbing, electric, glass, etc) please contact Scott Jones at 256-533-9292. If you desire to make a monetary donation please make the check payable to Manna House. All donations are tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated.
Channel 48 News story
Manna House Food Distribution Center
2110 Memorial Pkwy SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256.533-9292
Fax: 256-533-5494
Web: www.MannaHouseDisasterRelief.org
Email: smerritt@therockfwc.org
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Help Survivors of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina has blazed a trail of devastation throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Across the Gulf Coast, Katrina engulfed thousands of homes and decimated the landscape in what could become the most destructive storm in U.S. history. Victims are stranded and in need of immediate medical care, food and water, and tens of thousands of people will need temporary housing for months. Manna House Disaster Relief is bringing aid to these survivors through your help. We hope that you will partner with us to impact these people in need.
Clarification of recent news reports
In the Huntsville Times Newspaper on Thursday, September 8th, it was reported that evacuees would be placed in rooms with mold concerns. This is an incorrect statement. Some of the rooms did have mold issues and we have hired a professional company assess the situation and are taking the necessary steps to resolve these issues.
Channel 19 news reported on Thursday evening, September 8th, that $200,000.00 had been received to cover expenses for the Operation Restoration. The actual statement is that we are in need of $200,000.00 to $300,000.00 to cover these expenses. These funds have not as of yet been donated. |
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New Media Gallery
Latest news
ADOPT-A-ROOM
Information Updates
OPERATION RESTORATION
Join teams traveling to Gulfport
Volunteer Opportunities
New Donation Needs
Baby Item Collection
Links
PRC Compassion
Expectation Ministries
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Additional Information for Churches of the Valley |
Local Katrina Relief Collection & Distribution Center Announced:
Southwood Bulletin Board
Prayer Requests and Important Notices
September 9, 2005
Southwood Presbyterian Church has moved out to open a major collection and distribution center in the Publix Shopping Center at 4851 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville, at Airport Road, between Publix and Movie Gallery. The center is to open Sep 10th and will receive donations (see donations requested here - MS Word Doc) Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 – 5 p.m. Trucks will be going continuously to the large, efficient and well-run center at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, where smaller trucks stand by to get the goods out to the areas in need. The need for volunteer workers and donations will be great. We want to invite all churches, businesses and groups to join us in this effort. All donations received will be for the Gulf Coast area; not for local distribution. Please help spread the word. This is an opportunity and challenge for all our area.
Bob Bradshaw (652-3778) is the director of the center. Anyone interested in working today and tomorrow just go to the location. To volunteer and schedule a time to work later, please call him.
Please note that no used clothing is to be donated here. (That should go to the Whitesburg Baptist Church Clothes Closet or Asbury Thrift Store on Old Madison Pike in Madison.)
For general questions please e-mail relief@southwood.org or call Laura Patterson at 882-3085.
If you know of evacuees looking for jobs, I am told The Volunteer Center is handling that. Also, have them check the city’s web page, which is supposed to have all info needed for Huntsville (www.ci.huntsville.al.us).
NEED:
A member has a car to donate but it needs transmission work first. If you would like to help with this expense please call Susan DuPre at 880-1243
Laura Patterson
Disaster Relief Coordinator
Southwood Presbyterian Church
Some Local Contact Information Circulated:
September 10, 2005
Information included in the following document includes local Disaster Relief Items Needed (Manna House, Expectation Ministries), some contact information for some efforts in the local community, a Lincoln County (MS) Red Cross Wish List, and contact information for some Major Relief Agencies.
Katrina Relief Contacts (PDF)
Angel Flight Pilots - Free Missions of Mercy from Huntsville International Airport:
September 15, 2005
Angel Flight pilots are flying free missions of mercy to transport medicine, food, clothing, general supplies, refugees, and medical personnel. Please deliver donated items to Signature Flight Support at Huntsville International Airport. See detail at following link:
Angel Flight Southeast (PDF)
Opportunities for Teams in Louisiana:
September 18, 2005
Please help us get the word out about the need for manpower in the relief efforts in the storm damaged region from the hurricane. Our daughter Kayla and her new husband are in Lafayette, LA and are a part of a Christian organization who are working intensely with relief efforts. For anyone who has a desire to GO, Don Norman is the contact man to coordinate with. He can be reached at: 337-255-6996. I had a long, intense conversation with Don yesterday afternoon (Saturday). Here are things that he shared with me.
Don and Kayla’s church is involved with an organization called Pastor’s Resource Council (PRC) Their pastor, Jacob Aranza is one of the co-founders of the organization. The website for information is: www.prccompassion.org. PRC Compassion is a charitable organization that is in a strategic alliance with the Pastor’s Resource Council (PRC). The PRC is a coalition of churches and pastors to address community needs and distribute relief. The coalition was formed several years ago. In an effort to provide relief to the devastation of our state through 5 means:
Providing temporary shelter.
Supplying food and water.
Providing various heavy equipment.
Sending laborers to work in the shelters and cut down trees.
Providing counselors for the emotional needs of those effected by the Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath.
Mission
To coordinate national, state, and local faith and community-based organizations to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Leadership
Pastoral Oversight Committee:
Gene Mills - Louisiana Family Forum - Baton Rouge, LA - www.lafamilyforum.org
Dino Rizzo - Healing Place Church - Baton Rouge, LA - www.healingplacechurch.org
Jacob Aranza - Our Savior’s Church - Lafayette, LA - www.oursaviorschurch.com
Steve Robinson - Church of the King - Mandeville, LA - www.churchofthekinginfo.com
Our son, Don Norman is the key contact person for volunteer relief personnel wanting to donate time. TIME is the most needed resource at this point. He shared with me that they have more resources of ‘stuff’ at this time than they know what to do with, but there is a lack of manpower to handle the stuff. If individuals or teams would like to go, there are places to stay and food to eat. Just go! You can have truckloads of material donated, but there is still a need to unload and distribute those items. Don can be reached at 337-255-6996
Please continue to pray for the efforts and the people behind them. Don and Kayla are in the trenches and are there for the long haul. Kayla is cooking for the Master’s Commission group, some 40 or more per day as well as many other groups coming in to volunteer. She has had upwards of over 100 at a time to prepare meals for.
Thank you for your time, love and compassion. May God bless you and keep you.
In Jesus Love,
Lisa Brown
256-882-3950
Somebody Cares (Houston) Relief Efforts:
Report from Houston
Bret A. Wade (of Global Impact Ministries - Huntsville, AL)
September 10, 2005
Matt Stevens is helping coordinate efforts in Houston, TX. He works closely with Doug Stringer of Somebody Cares.
An infrastructure of collaborating city churches is the saving grace for Houston. The church is shining in this area. The secular agencies are helping some but nowhere near the effort that the church is putting out. The secular response to the church has been very interesting. There are approximately 200,000 evacuees in the city. The Astrodome only represents a portion. Those are mostly those rescued from the Superdome. Those coming to the churches are white collar executives, doctors, lawyers as well as blue collar workers. The reports we are receiving out of the these churches is that the attitude from the evacuees is overwhelmingly grateful.
Somebody Cares has warehousing in several places for supplies. They are abreast of the needs along the coast. Databases are being constructed to match needs to available goods and supplies. This has gone beyond drop off and distribution. It's taken the church of Houston to a whole new level of ministry efforts. Teams of volunteers are arriving from all over the country. Matt can also arrange missions teams. The skills will be matched to the needs.
Bret A. Wade of Global Impact Ministries - Huntsville, AL, www.globalimpactinc.org, bretwade@globalimpactinc.org, 256.828.3055 office
Somebody Cares (Houston) Efforts in Gulf and in Houston - Huntsville Mission and Volunteer Team Opportunities:
From: Matt Stevens
September 14, 2005
Subject: Efforts in the Gulf and in Houston
Somebody Cares would like to invite leaders to lead a Volunteer Team to the region. Mission camps are being staged now so that volunteers can be accommodated. If you are interested in serving in the way the dates are October 6th – 10th. Locations, costs and requirements will follow.
Right now we are looking for individuals to organize teams.
Christ in Action is one of the Somebody Cares ministry partners who have established Camp Hope in Gulfport.
They had a visit from the President at the staging area.
Check out the pictures and reports at:
http://www.christinaction.com/index.cfm/PageID/13/index.html
Denny and his family are doing an incredible job and are a great demonstration of the Church rising up to serve the needs of people.
Mobilizing the Church to show people that Somebody Cares
UPDATE
From: Matt Stevens
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005
Subject: Organizers and administration is needed
Importance: High
We have an immediate need for leadership people who can temporarily go to the staging areas and relieve some of the leaders in the hardest hit areas in Mississippi, Louisiana and Houston.
These people need to be organized, well adjusted and understand basic operation and mobilization principles. Please share this with those who you know may be able to handle the task. We can serve the servants of this efforts by relieving the relief workers.
Matt Stevens
If you know of people who are available, we have locations that they can sent to: you can feel free to contact me By phone: 443 520-4205 or By Email: MATT@CHAINREACTION2005.COM
Christian Emergency Network - www.ChristianEmergencyNetwork.org
Have you wondered how your church could share Hope with the Hopeless in this hour?
Helpful Resources during Hurricane Katrina and Rita
Be Prepared!
To understand the times and know how to respond, Christians must be prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually for tough time
Contact for Area Relief Efforts and Organizations
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This site is donated and maintained by Anna Sue Edwards of Webs 2 Impress and
is dedicated to those who lost so much in this tiny coastal
community.
REBUILD PEARLINGTON……. one brick at a
time. |
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The
little coastal community of Pearlington, MS (click here for
map), was all but destroyed by hurrican Katrina which hit the Gulf
Coast August 29, 2005. Every home and business was affected in one
way or another by the storm and many homes were left uninhabitable. Most
are still that way. A group of concerned Christians from the
Huntsville, Alabama area have become burdened for this community, its
residents and their ongoing needs. Please take time to visit the
links given below and email me if
you have things to add to the site or if you wish to contribute to the
relief efforts in some way. Almost every month, a team is going back
to Pearlington to help clear out houses, provide needed materials, paint,
repair and in general, try to give hope where it has been dashed to
pieces. The brave families who are left here are trying very hard to
rebuild their lives in a place where homes and cars have been lost and
jobs are few and far between.
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Tennessee Valley Community Resources |
The Volunteer Center of Madison County has been requested to coordinate area efforts with the American Red Cross.
Disaster Relief - Top 10 Needs
Top 10 List of what evacuees need to know
Disaster Relief - Meeting Local Needs
List of Local Services available for those displaced by Katrina
Disaster Relief Needs - Local/State/National
Local Volunteer and Donation Needs/Drives, and National Information
Disaster Relief Housing - Housing
Disaster Relief Help - Help Is Online (PDF)
The Volunteer Center of Madison County
912-B Bob Wallace Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone (256) 539-7797
Fax (256) 539-7806
Web: www.volunteerhsv.org
Email: info@volunteerhsv.org
American Red Cross - Madison / Marshall County Chapter
1101 Washington Street NW
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 536-0084
Web: www.redcrossrelief.org or www.helpcantwait.org
Email: contactus@helpcantwait.org
Serving Madison, Marshall and Jackson Counties
North Alabama Responds
The people of Huntsville and Madison County join the State and Nation in matching the needs of evacuees to sources where their needs can be met.
Their needs include:
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Expanded List of Resources from Senator Sessions Office |
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions provided to the Christian Coalition of Alabama the following list of contacts for relief agencies, government agencies and various organizations working with victims of Hurricane Katrina. (Please note we have taken the liberty to add other information to this master list as it becomes available).
Please pass this information along to anyone you feel it could benefit.
Resources for Those in Need
State of Alabama Donations and Volunteers Hotline
1-877-273-5018
Web Site for Donating Housing or Finding Housing
Licensed health care professionals who want to volunteer should call
1-800-272-2707.
Vendors
National Emergency Resource Registry
Click on “Help the Victims of Hurricane Katrina-
Register Your Business to Provide Relief For vendors wishing to do business with FEMA
Web site for resources of any kind can be posted
(donations, volunteers, contractors, etc.)
Locate Missing and stranded Individuals (Red Cross Site):
Family Link Registry Locate Missing and stranded Individuals (Coast Guard Site):
FEMA National Donations Hotline
1-800-440-6728
202-646-4006 (for voice message)
USPS
(FOR INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE ADDRESS CHANGES
800-ASK-USPS/800-275-8777)
JOB RESOURCES
Department of Labor:
866-4-USA-DOL (866-487-2365
Alabama Department of Industrial Relations
866-234-5382
Louisiana Department of Labor
866-783-5567
Mississippi Department of Employment Security
888-844-3577 OR
Alabama
List of County EMA Offices
To List Rental Units
Alabama Only
Fax information to Mary Bendon
334-409-4691
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
205-280-2200
Click below for your county EMA contact information:
Alabama Department of Transportation
Emergency Road Closure Information and Evacuation Updates:
1-888-588-2848 or 1-334-353-6650
Attorney General
1-800-392-5658
Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation
1-800-367-0955
Facilities and Health Care Information
Louisiana
To report missing persons,
please call the American Red Cross at 1(866) 438-4636.
Louisiana Governor Blanco's hotline:
800-469-4828
Louisiana Evacuation Office:
225-925-7514
Louisiana State Police:
225-925-7708 or 7709
Shelter Information:
Red Cross- 1(866)(438-4636)
Special Needs Shelter Information Triage Phone Numbers:
Alexandria: 800-841-5778
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372
Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711
Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409
Mississippi
Red Cross 1-866-Get Info (Missing Persons)
Red Cross
1-800-Help Now (Donations)
MDOT traffic hotline:
601-352-7017
Volunteers Medical personnel:
Doctors call: 601-987-3079;
EMTs call: 601-576-8085;
Nurses call: 601-497-8022
Non-professional volunteers: contact Red Cross, Salvation Army other established volunteer organizations.
DONATIONS
American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English,
1-800-257-7575 Spanish;
Family Links Registry
1-877-LOVED-1S (1-877-568-3317)
Operation Blessing
America’s Second Harvest
1-800-344-8070
Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:
Adventist Community Services
1-800-381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA
1-800-919-9338
Christian Disaster Response
941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
1-800-848-5818
Church World Service
1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope
417-823-8998
Corporation for National and Community Service Disaster Relief Fund
(202) 606-6718
Lutheran Disaster Response
800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service
717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response
888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
800-872-3283
Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief
1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
United Methodist Committee on Relief
1-800-554-8583
B'nai B'rith International,
2020 K Street, N.W., Seventh Floor, Washington, D.C., 20006;
clicking on the link for disaster relief.
United Jewish Communities,
P.O. Box 30, Old Chelsea Station, N.Y., 10113,
attention: Hurricane Katrina.
Mark the memo section of checks with "Katrina."
Phone: 1- 877-277-2477
Union for Reform Judaism
International Aid Global Headquarters
17011 W. Hickory Spring Lake,
Michigan 49456-9712,
USA Phone: (616) 846.7490
Fax: (616) 846.3842
Toll Free: (800) 968-7490
24-hour Donation Line: (800) 251.2502
For further information: visit the website for the
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION
Alabama Commission on Aging
1-877-425-2243
1-800-243-5463
1800-458-7214
Farm Service Agency
Mobile, Baldwin:(251)937-3297;
Washington: (251)246-0245
Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)
1-800-843-0699
Alabama Emergency Management
American Red Cross
1-800-GET-INFO
Alabama Consumer Affairs Division
1-800-392-5658
Department of Mental Health
State Wide Crises Counseling
1-800-367-0955
1800-832-0952
POC: Acquanetta Knight (334) 242-3229
Alabama Dept. of Revenue
1-334-242-1170
Disaster Unemployment
Department of Industrial Relations
1-866-234-5382
Donations Hotline
Emergency Assistance
1-800-HELP-NOW (435-7669-English);
(1-800-257-7575-Spanish)
American Red Cross
1-866-438-4636
Food Stamps Automated Information Line
1-800-382-0499
Fraud
FEMA Fraud-Office of Inspector General
1-800-323-8603
FEMA Help-Line & Teleregistration
1-800-621-3362
1-800-462-7585
Governor's Office
334-242-7100
Insurance Commissioner
1-800-433-3966
1-334-269-3550
Disaster Legal Services
Young Lawers Division Alabama State Bar
1-800-354-6154
1-334-2691515
Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Small Business Administration
1-800-UASK.SBA
1-800-827-5722
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
1-800-325-0778 TTY
Tax Assistance
I.R.S.
1-800-829-1040
1-800-829-4059 TTY
Refund only Information 1-334-353-2540
Veterans Services
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
1-800-827-1000
1-800- 829-4833 TTY
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