Disaster Response
The South Georgia Conference has received requests for ERTs (Early Response Teams) and mission teams from Annual Conferences affected by recent storms. Coastal communities here at home and in Texas and Florida can use our help, as can communities affected by Hurricane Matthew last year. Remember that when you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer as a mission team, each requesting Annual Conference controls the process and coordinates the United Methodist response.
Want to Serve in South Georgia?
The South GA Annual Conference is very thankful for the many volunteers that came to our coastal regions after the recent storms. Local emergency managers are switching to long term recovery. As soon as we are informed of rebuilding needs, we will post here.
Interested teams can contact Luis O. Morales, South Georgia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at morhilll@gmail.com.
Want to Serve in Florida?
We have received confirmation that Florida is ready for volunteers to respond to Hurricane Irma. Trained ERTs will be placed in Irma relief and those who are not trained will be serving with recovery for Hermine and Matthew.
Click here to volunteer through the Florida Annual Conference.
For more information regarding needs in Florida, visit their Disaster Response information page at http://www.flumc.org/disaster
Want to Serve in Texas?
Two Annual Conferences in Texas are calling for ERTs or mission teams.
The Texas Annual Conference is ready to receive volunteer teams to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief. The work consists mainly of cleaning out flooded homes and requires extensive physical labor. At least one member of a team must be ERT trained. Teams should bring their own protective gear and tools. All members need proof of Safe Sanctuary training and clear background check from your local United Methodist Church. Housing is available at a host church in the conference. Team leaders can register their team here.
The Rio Texas Conference is asking for currently certified ERT members for help with debris removal of down trees and roof tarping. Many homes have water damage from damaged windows and roofs. Teams will be based out of Corpus Christi and should register at https://riotexas.org/ert-
Want to Serve in Louisiana?
Teams are currently working two different disasters in Louisiana. The state is in the early response phase (i.e. mucking out) in response to Hurricane Harvey in the southwest part of the state and in the recovery phase (i.e. rebuilding) in response to the 2016 floods in the Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales and Hammond areas. Register your team at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UMCVolunteerRegistration
Want to Serve in North Carolina?
We encourage anyone interested in volunteering to join the work in Lumberton, NC, or any of the Hurricane Matthew devastated areas as the need is great and our best energy can be put to work right now! Click here to read more about needs in Lumberton and how to volunteer.
Want to Serve in Puerto Rico?
UMCOR has received a formal invitation from Bishop Hector Ortiz of MCPR requesting volunteers to support reconstruction following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Potential volunteers, please note that it is imperative that all individuals and teams go through the channels described below before making plans of any kind to deploy to Puerto Rico. This request comes from Bishop Ortiz and is affirmed by UMCOR as MCPR continues to prepare to receive and host teams. Teams or individuals who arrive in Puerto Rico without going through the appropriate channels may cause further difficulties for our neighbors in Puerto Rico and/or put volunteers at risk because the proper infrastructure may not be in place to accommodate them.
Click here for more information and to complete the application to volunteer in Puerto Rico.
Feeling Called to Serve as an ERT?
The South Georgia Conference has several ERT training events scheduled in October, November, and December. Visit www.sgaumc.org/erttrainings for more information and to register.
Financial Donations
Financial Donations: To aid with disasters within the South Georgia Annual Conference you can send financial gifts through the Conference Treasurer's Office earmarked Advance Special #6796 - South Georgia Storm Recovery (Disaster Response). The address is PO Box 13145 / Macon, Georgia 31208. Click here to donate online to the South Georgia Conference Storm Recovery effort. Financial gifts will make a significant impact on this disaster, future relief, and long-term recovery efforts.
Keeping You Updated
Questions
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Luis Morales
South Georgia Conference Disaster Coordinator
morhilll@gmail.com
Allison Lindsey
Associate Director, Office of Connectional Ministries
allison@sgaumc.com / (912) 393-5524
