UMCOR-Affiliate, Americus

SUMTER COUNTY/AMERICUS DISASTER RECOVERY UPDATE (3/14/07

The United Methodist churches in Sumter County and Americus have
organized wonderfully to coordinate the outpouring of volunteer
assistance to clean up following the tornados of March 1-2.
Americus First UMC is hosting the South Georgia Annual Conference's
UMCOR affiliate recovery operation.

Long-term Rebuilding Teams
Initial clean-up has moved quickly and the area is now ready to
begin receiving its first volunteer long-term rebuilding teams.
Team leaders may receive more information and register their
availability by calling 229-924-9414.

Long-term rebuilding teams need one or more persons with a variety
of construction skills who are capable of coaching and supervising
the work of other team members. Some lodging is available (in
church fellowship halls, etc.). Team members will need to have
some demolition tools and basic hand tools. Your patience with the
volunteer coordinator will be appreciated as we transition from
clean-up to long-term rebuilding.

The long-term rebuild project, also, needs some major pieces of
equipment (donated, loaned, or funding the lease): shingles lift,
roofing nailer, disposal containers, dump trailer. Call 229-924-9414
if you can help with any of these items.

A meeting was held on Tuesday, March 13, to begin the formation of
the Interfaith Long-Term Recovery Organization. A very impressive
group of faith-based groups and other non-profits were present. Each
is eager to share its assets with this community as they focus on
assisting those with unmet needs (uninsured, underinsured, renters
who are now homeless, etc.). The Conference Disaster Response Team
offered the considerable resources of the United Methodist people
of South Georgia to this effort.

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The Methodist Church has become a center for Volunteer Coordination.

FOR WEEKEND OF MARCH 9-11, 2007 ONLY, ONLY, ONLY - Volunteers
will be coordinated from the Americus Sumter HS North Campus on
Bumphead Rd. Salvation ARmy and Red Cross will be feeding volunteers
for the weekend and the Gym will be open for sleeping. Showers will
be available.

LTRC will meet Monday, March 5, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. Location: First
Methodist Church, Americus GA. The meeting will also discuss housing
needs for volunteers.

This is the main location for Emergency Food Stamps.