This week, a presidential disaster declaration for the 5 counties of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod in the wake of Hurricane Irene makes federal assistance available to people affected by flooding.

Individuals MUST get a number from FEMA within 60 days of the disaster declaration in order to qualify for assistance. We advise that individuals affected by flooding get a FEMA number whether or not they believe they will need assistance. Once the 60 day window closes, no more applications for assistance related to this disaster will be accepted. Call 1.800.621.FEMA (3362) or go to www.disasterassistance.gov.

What can congregations do?

Pray

September 18, 2011

Hear the cries of those who call for help in the wake of recent flooding. Give them hope, strength and courage to clean out and rebuild. Make us ready to respond to and serve all who are devastated by natural disasters. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

September 25, 2011

Renew the hopes of those who have been devastated by flooding and natural disasters. Enliven us to serve in humility and strength. Help us to know the love of Christ in our care for one another. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Get involved in your community

Get the word out! Many people, especially in the crush of disaster, do not know where to turn to get help. Distribute the attached flyer with FEMA’s information on it. Consider editing the flyer, adding local contact numbers of people who can help in your local community. Encourage people to take pictures of damage and get wet items out of homes immediately.

Find more ideas about responding to people in need in the attached resource, “How can your congregation serve the community after a disaster?”

Volunteer

Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern Pennsylvania is gearing up for a long-term response in our area. Fourteen of the 19 counties in eastern PA are currently under a presidential disaster declaration. We are not getting word that many small communities near the Susquehanna River are nearly wiped out and devastated.

LDR-EPA is already sending volunteer teams to muck out homes of people in need. We can also connect your teams with other organizations who need volunteers. Go to www.lutherancongregationalservices.org to print out volunteer information forms, liability releases and instructions for NO-COST background checks for disaster volunteers. Contact Linda Frey at or 610.657.4730 for more information about volunteering.

Donate

Supplies of “Cleaning Buckets” in the area are being depleted quickly. Find instructions for cleaning buckets http://www.ministrylink.org/mediafiles/11cleaningbuckets.pdf. Contact Julia Menzo ( or 215-424-3741 ext.203) about flood bucket drop off locations.

 LDR-EPA coordinates a long-term local recovery process to disasters. We anticipate that recovery and rebuilding from the recent flooding will take years, particularly in communities near the Susquehanna River. Your donations fund assessors, case managers and volunteer coordination that will serve the thousands devastated by disaster. For this local response, send donations to Lutheran Congregational Services with LDR-EPA in the memo line, 1923 Hanover Avenue, Allentown, PA 18109. Donations for disaster response beyond our immediate area can be sent to the national Lutheran Disaster Response organization at www.elca.org/disaster.

Contact Lutheran Disaster Response of Eastern PA

Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinators:

Julia Menzo  215-430-1299  

Ruth Doty  610-770-9205 (office)   484-553-1162 (cell)

Director of Minsitries, Lutheran Congregational Services

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Ollikainen 215-859-3779 (cell)