Storms of 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Greetings from the Director of Recovery,
This email is long overdue, but at last I can take a breather and get caught up. Over the summer we had approximately 1500-2000 volunteers in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Lake Delhi, Manchester, Monticello, Cherokee, and Colfax. I am so thankful for the United Methodist connectional system. And even more thankful for all of you who stepped forward – AGAIN – and answered the call to help our brothers and sisters in need.
Block by Block continues to move along at a steady pace. We have now signed on 24 blocks. We have surpassed our goal of 16 for this year! I believe as I write this, we are currently the only long-term, nonprofit, flood rebuild organization still operating in Cedar Rapids.
It has been two years since God called me to this ministry, and I was reflecting on all the wonderful people I have met in that time. All denominations, all ages, all walks of life – what a truly awesome blessing I have received! A great big thank you to all of you who have supported the recovery effort in one way or another!
Now I’m asking for your continued support. Block by Block will continue to rebuild Cedar Rapids for as long as we are financially able to do so. We still need your help with teams of volunteers that are semi skilled to skilled. As the winter settles in, we will have a great need for local and close proximity volunteers to step forward and hear the call that “Cedar Rapids is still recovering!” If you have a group of folks interested, please register with www.blockbyblockcr.org and Carma will get in touch with you with the details.
If you have a church or organization that would like to hear more about Block by Block, give me a call or send me an email and I would love to come and share.
God’s Peace,
Becky Wood
Director of Recovery and Volunteer Coordinator
Director of Recovery and Volunteer Coordinator
Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
2200 Heritage Green Drive
Hiawatha, IA 52233
Office phone: 319.393.1607
Cell phone: 515.238.5346
Email: becky.wood@iaumc.org
Website: www.stormrecovery.org
Previous Recovery Updates
Advance Special #223
Storm Stories of the Summer of 2010
I know all of you are aware of the devastating flash floods that occurred early yesterday morning throughout Cherokee County, and particularly here in town. I just spoke this morning with church member Aimee Barritt, director of the county’s Emergency Response team. She conservatively estimates that at least 200 homes have been affected, with numbers certain to rise. Waters crested at 27 feet and are beginning to recede, but it is expected that we will be in a 17-foot flood stage through this weekend. County officials and service personnel continue to be in response mode, to assist those who are stranded and to open roads as soon as possible.
Soon, the county will be in recovery mode, and here are some important messages to share with you:
If there are people whose homes have been damaged, City Hall is conducting a detailed assessment of the needs in order to determine the most efficient and effective response as well as apply for Federal assistance. Please have those individuals contact City Hall (225-5749) and simply leave their name, address, and the extent of their damage.
We are assembling volunteer work groups who can be ready to serve once the county says we can go in and assist victims throughout town. Sheree Hausmann and Marlene Kelly, who head our Helping Hands Team, will take your name down, or you can contact the church office. We would also like to know if you or anyone else in the St. Paul’s congregation is in need of any immediate assistance, as we would like to respond to you right away.
Finally, please pray for all the victims of this crisis, as well as for our county and city staff and service personnel who are working tirelessly to respond to the many needs of our area.
Let us join together in service, prayer, and love for all our neighbors.
Grace and Peace,
Magrey
The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA 51012
Ph: 712-225-3955