Greetings from the Director of Recovery!
Lots of news this week. As many of you heard last week from Bishop Trimble, we are going to start buying houses! After much prayer, contemplation, discussion, the Cedar Rapids Steering Committee has decided that the UMC can best serve those in need of housing, due to the flood devastation, by buying houses in the Time Check neighborhood. With volunteer labor we will rebuild the homes and sell them at cost or slightly above. We have been in conversation with groups in Cedar Rapids who would like to partner with us in this endeavor to rebuild neighborhoods. Watch for details. This is an ambitious, uncharted adventure, but one that could make a huge difference in the lives of many families and in revitalizing neighborhoods! It also means we are once again in business for signing up volunteers! We are in need in volunteers to register to come, anytime after August 23, unless you have a team of drywallers. (see below)
This morning I attended the Buchanan County Long Term Coalition meeting and it was brought to my attention that they need teams of drywallers in Hazelton. We have been sending teams to Buchanan County and they have had wonderful accommodations and have been heartily welcomed in Independence. Please prayerfully consider sending a team that is skilled in dry walling and trim work - they have an immediate concern for a family living in their garage and would really like to get them back in their home as soon as possible.
Please remember to keep the disaster survivors in your prayers as we come upon the anniversary of the flooding. I have talked to pastors and folks around the flooded counties and as we mark the anniversary, memories are painful and emotions are just as hard to deal with as they were a year ago.
Notes from Pastor Melisa -
If you get asked, what does flood recovery need - here a few suggestions:
We always need cookies for teams
Paint Brushes/roller pads
screw bits
pencils
patience
frozen meals for teams that come in late at night - enough to serve 20
cleaning of the shower trailers
funding for materials
endurance
primer paint
drywall tape (paper and mesh)
Prayers - always.
WE NOW HAVE A BLOG! Check out how the interns are serving Jesus -
Remember, the United Methodist are bringing "Hope to Heartland"!
