North Georgia flooding disaster response

The devastating flood in North Georgia that occurred following historic rain in September 2009 resulted in extreme damage to 100s of homes in 17 counties. Many teams have already rebuilt homes, but the need to help other families still displaced from their homes continues. There are at least another 80-100 homes in Cobb and Douglas County and additional homes in DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties that need major repairs. Beginning in July, three teams per week with up to 10 members per team are needed each week at least through October.

Central Tennessee Flooding Response

A note from Tennessee Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Jason Brock: Currently we are in transition from cleanup to rebuilding, expecting to need teams from late summer through the next 18 months to 2 years. Across 28 declared counties, we are expecting upwards of 2,400 long term recovery cases, many involving construction.

We are currently putting together our team info packet, team size, age restrictions, forms, etc. for rebuild teams. However, interested churches can go ahead and make an initial inquiry to DisasterResponse@tnumc.com and we'll provide them an initial registration form to get on our calendar.

We will post periodic information at http://tnumcrelief.blogspot.com/ and will soon have an email newsletter available. Our disaster phone line is 615-695-2765. All disaster communications should be sent to our DisasterResponse@tnumc.com email address so copies of correspondence are shared among the Conference Disaster Response Team.

NW Tennessee Flooding response

Recent flooding in Dyer County in Northwest Tennessee has devastated the lives of hundreds of people. Areas hardest hit are comprised of uninsured older homes in a low income area. The result of this combination is the need to demolish and rebuild most of these homes. The victims cannot afford to rebuild their homes as they have merely the money they have received from FEMA.

Skilled volunteer teams are needed to defray some of the costs for these families. Teams are also encouraged to bring funds to assist if at all possible. Housing is being provided by Dyersburg First United Methodist Church. The facility can accommodate up to 60 people. A kitchen, 3 laundry units, and 12 showers are available.

Visit http://tnumcrelief.blogspot.com or http://flood2010.tnumc.com for more information.

Flooding Response, Tennessee

Teams Needed in Tennessee After Recent Flooding

For the second year in a row, historic flooding has impacted west Tennessee. First United Methodist Church in Dyersburg will house volunteer teams and coordinate recovery projects for the northwest Tennessee area. The muck out process is underway and will continue through July 2011. Rebuilding efforts have begun and will continue through summer of 2012.

Teams are housed in several rooms in the church's family life center, a kitchen, showers, WiFi, and cable TV are provided at no cost to teams. Team donations toward work projects are welcomed but not required. Teams of 25 or fewer are ideal but larger groups can be accommodated.

Contact Rev. Robert Craig at FUMC. 731.285.6454 or email: rcraig@fumcdyersburg.com

Church Rebuilding Projects - Burned Churches

National Coalition for Burned Churches Announces 2011 Church Rebuilding Projects: More Volunteers Teams Needed

The National Coalition for Burned Churches will dispatch volunteers from across the country to assist seven churches with rebuilding in 2011.

NCBC established the Church Rebuilding Project: An Interfaith Response to Rebuilding and Recovery in 1998 to assist congregations located in primarily rural, isolated areas whose church fires were ruled arson, bombing, suspicious or undetermined with rebuilding.

Churches selected to receive rebuilding support next year include six southern Black churches and one multi-racial church. The projects are scattered throughout the south and northeast covering five states: Alabama (1), Georgia (3), Massachusetts (1), New York (1) and South Carolina (1)

According to Rev. Rose Johnson-Mackey, NCBC executive director, "Sadly, we have more requests for help from churches than we have volunteer teams. All of the churches selected are in need of donations and volunteer support. However you (the public) can assist getting the word out will be greatly appreciated. The true blessing here is that we have some of the nation's most incredible volunteers who come from across the nation to serve, inspire hope and encourage congregations that through Christ all things are possible."


Established in 1997, the National Coalition was founded by pastors, members of burned churches and supporting partners in response to the 1996 church burning crisis. We are a multiracial, interfaith coalition working in partnership with individuals and organizations committed to reducing the impact and numbers of church burning and bombing incidents throughout the south and nationally. Our mission is to protect the right of congregations to worship in peace free from the threat of arson, bombing and vandalism. We accomplish our mission through programs in victim/survivor support, church rebuilding, volunteer coordination, arson prevention, research and capacity building.

To support the work of the National Coalition donations can be mailed to PO Box 361 Gainesville, GA 30503-0415. Make checks payable to the National Coalition for Burned Churches.

Operation Inasmuch (ongoing)

Operation Inasmuch of Mitchell County, NC is an interdenominational home repair ministry led by area United Methodists and is now accepting applications for spring, summer and fall mission teams.

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Spruce Pine, North Carolina, the ministry provides assistance to needy, elderly and handicapped residents. Dormitory style housing is provided for teams of up to 50 members. The housing units have a fully furnished kitchen. Teams must furnish their own linens and towels.

Adult and youth teams are encouraged to apply. Teams may come for a weekend, a week or longer. For more information contact Neil Brown, 828-766-5922 or brownneil@bellsouth.net