Category: Disaster Response

Categories
Disaster Response Floods

Flooding in SE Washington and NE Oregon

Update – February 18, 2020

Here is a sampling of how ACS and other Adventist volunteer groups are getting involved in the Recovery Efforts. Especially hard hit were areas in Pendleton, Walla Walla, and outlying parts of Umatilla County.

  • Center for Humanitarian Engagement (CHE), led by David Lopez, gathered volunteers to work on two Relief projects this weekend. Eighty Walla Walla University students filled over 30,000 bags of sand. Click here for photos. They also have been helping to find volunteers to staff an assessment call center at the Emergency Management Department. Click here for latest newsletter by CHE on the flooding response.
  • Walla Walla Valley Academy with less time and students filled over 8,000 bags of sand.
  • Individual members sheltered evacuees.
  • SonBridge Center, in College Place, was on a one-hour alert for providing shelter for evacuees. They were willing in spite of the fact that the next morning was the yearly constituency meeting.
  • From Sabbath through Wednesday last week, ACS volunteers including lots of young people fixed meals for evacuees staying at the Red Cross shelter in Walla Walla.
  • A young private business owner from Coeur d’Alene, Albert Rorabeck, happily shared one full day and his big truck to drive the ACS DR trailer filled with flood buckets and supplies needed to man a donations warehouse to Walla Walla Fairgrounds first, and then on to Pendleton Convention Center. This activity was coordinated by Larry Marsh, who recently retired as Vice President for Education at Upper Columbia Conference.
  • With short notice a MARC (Multi-Agency Response Center) was planned for Thursday in Pendleton. Linda & Phil Ruud, Shawn Ruud, and Pastor Gibson have played key roles in the Pendleton area for planning the ACS response. Adventist Community Services provided a booth that included free flood buckets filled with what items needed in cleanup.
  • In addition, ACS was asked to provide an Emotional and Spiritual Care team coordinated by Dan Solis, Gary Gibson, Jeff Kinne, and Mike Lambert.
  • On Friday, a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) was set up in the Walla Walla area.
  • As of Friday afternoon with new furniture, refrigerators, clothing, and other items being trucked into Pendleton as gift to the survivors, final negotiations were in process for ACS to open a Donations Management Warehouse.

Last Spring, many Pathfinders under the direction of UCC Pathfinder Coordinator, Richie Brower, filled around 150 flood buckets. Almost a third of the buckets were delivered then to three different Native American communities in Eastern Washington that experienced flooding. The remaining flood buckets which were stored for almost a year are being loaded with supplies to assist with this disaster relief. Early Wednesday morning a call came from the Senior Red Cross Manager to UCC ACS/ACSDR Director Patty Marsh, “Do you by chance have flood buckets? We are in great need here for evacuees at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds?” With excitement Patty was able to tell the Manager that the flood buckets were a little over an hour out. “Through the combined efforts of many, these buckets were one more way Adventists can share with a hurting world. We care…,” stated Patty.

A special thank you goes to Patty Marsh; Doug Venn, UCC ACSDR Coordinator; David Lopez, WWU Center for Humanitarian Engagement; Norman Thiel, SonBridge Director; Larry Mays, NPUC DR Coordinator; and Byron Dulan, NPUC ACS Director, who have been working tirelessly to pinpoint how best ACS and volunteers can bring the greatest support to these individuals and communities.

Categories
Disaster Response Hurricanes

ACS Responds to Hurricane Dorian

As Hurricane Dorian was developing and threatening the East Coast, ACS Teams were ready and on stand-by to serve survivors as needed.

The South Atlantic Conference team opened a shelter in Orangeburg, SC. There were around 150 people housed on their campground until they were able to return safely home.

Florida and Southeastern Conferences opened collection centers throughout the state to receive goods that would help those affected by the storm. Letter from the President of Southeastern Conference.

Carolina and Georgia-Cumberland Conferences stood by ready and waiting for touchdown of the hurricane in parts of their area.

We are thankful that the Hurricane did not wreak havoc in the North American Division territory, and we praise God that even though most of our conferences were unaffected, our teams were ready and prepared for the worst.

Click here for more information from The South Bahamas Conference and how you can help.

We appreciate all your prayers and support.

Categories
Disaster Response Emotional & Spiritual Care

ACS Responds to Mass Shooting – El Paso and Dayton

Update – August 8, 2019

The Family Assistance Center in El Paso has been serving those affected by the shooting. Yesterday, the Center helped over 200 people. The city officials informed the leadership within the Disaster Response community that they would be taking over the operation. Though this did not affect our work on the ground much, another event took place that had a very definite impact on the operation. President Trump had decided to visit both Dayton and El Paso today. However, several residents were against this visit and a protest was set up at the Walmart where the shooting took place in Texas. Many of those that were expected to visit the Center decided to go and voice their opinions at the protest. Hence, today’s numbers were around 50. The team was not deterred in the least, and our Emotional and Spiritual Care Providers gave assistance to those that did visit the facility.

Our Disaster Response Team met with the Mexican Consulate this morning to ascertain how we might be of more help to the Latino population at large that live both Stateside and across the border. It is believed that some of those injured may not be coming for help because of their legal status. Regardless of this situation, our team members were ready to help all those who were in need of our services and this point was stressed repeatedly. Our current team will be in place for the remainder of this week. We have planned a second team to be used starting Sunday who will continue to render care to those affected. Our Care Providers have been observed and well-appreciated by those receiving services, as well as members of the Disaster Response Community.

Derrick Lea, Director of Adventist Community Services Disaster Response, met with American Red Cross and Emergency Management contacts overseeing the Family Assistance Center for families affected by the horrific shootings in El Paso, Texas. A team of ACS bi-lingual Emotional & Spiritual Care providers were approved and vetted to assist and support the individuals and families experiencing great trauma. In addition, Andrew Mobley, Adventist Community Services Director of Allegheny West Conference has reached out to the local leadership in Dayton, Ohio and has a team on stand-by. Read more here!

Please pray for the ACS teams as well as the families that are suffering due to this tragedy.

Categories
Disaster Response

ACS DR Efforts Around the Division

Our ACS teams around the Division continue to assist their local communities in response to the recent disasters that have occurred in the past few weeks. Allegheny West ACS Director Andrew Mobley, is working alongside the Ohio Conference, Kettering Medical, and other faith-based groups as they serve the residents of tornado-struck Dayton. Kettering Medical has fed over 3,500 meals to those in the affected ares.

The Multi-Agency Warehouse in Jefferson City, Missouri, has been serving the needs of the communities affected by the tornadoes and flooding. The Mid-America Union Conference is seeking additional support from within the Union, and ACS Director Roger Wade is working with his team to offer support. The Lt. Governor visited the Warehouse and thanked them for their dedicated efforts.

The Southwestern Union is also working hard to support a local community in Arkansas that was hit by severe flooding. Our ACS Directors Marshall and Julie Gonzales have made deliveries of food, clothing, and flood buckets to the State, and are aiding Lavida Whitson and her team as they serve those currently housed in shelters. The city of Baton Rouge in Louisiana was also hit by a tornado recently. Marshall is currently monitoring the situation, and is in talks with the State on how we can be of support to them in their Recovery.

Let us remember those who have been affected by these disasters in our prayers.

Categories
Disaster Response

ACS DR Efforts in Southwestern Union

Delivery of buckets and hygiene kits to Samaritan Center to assist flood survivors.

ACS Disaster Response personnel in the Southwestern Union Conference have been engaged in Recovery Efforts post severe flooding in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. The Arkansas river has hit a record-breaking crest level. Around 500 families and some businesses have been impacted so far, in and around Fort Smith. The greatest concern is that the levees have never been tested to hold so much water and for such a long time.

The Union ACS Director and Associate Director, Marshall and Julie Gonzales, are in correspondence with the Mayor, county officials, and Emergency Management leaders in Arkansas. They were on the scene providing relief supplies like flood buckets and clothing to those in need. They were joined by Lavida Whitson, ARK-LA Conference ACS Director, who also met with local Emergency Management and has requested our help to manage a Distribution site for them. They are working on the logistics of securing a facility that will function as a Distribution site.

The Gonzales’ also met with the Oklahoma ACS Director, Judy Reid, in Muskogee which was heavily impacted by the flooding of the Arkansas river. They sent them cleaning buckets and hygiene kits that can be given out to the affected community. Over 2000 people in the State were displaced. Since the situation is still ongoing, Judy and her team are on standby until the water levels subside.

Categories
Disaster Response Local Conference Tornadoes

ACS Responds to Tornadoes in Ohio

Another Midwest State affected by tornadoes is Ohio. Currently, our Allegheny West ACS DR Coordinator Andrew Mobley is leading out the Recovery Efforts on the ground in Dayton. He has been in contact with the Ohio VOAD and attends the Conference calls daily. He has been asked to be on standby to manage a Warehouse/and or Distribution Site close to the affected area. Andrew continues to assess the situation with his ACS Director Jerome Hurst.

Additionally, Andrew is investigating to determine if our Emotional & Spiritual Care Providers are needed to supplement those affected. ACS has also reached out to the Good Neighbor House through their Executive Director Tom Oujukka, as a possible resource to the community. He has agreed to lend support to our Efforts, and a plan is currently being formulated. The Kettering Medical has also reached out to us, and they are also being incorporated into the plan as we move forward.

Categories
Disaster Response Tornadoes

Deadly Tornado Rips Through Missouri

Update – June 5, 2019

A Multi-Agency Warehouse has been set up and is operating from 9am-5pm everyday. The Iowa-Missouri ACS DR Team led by Jodi Dickhaut, is working tirelessly managing the Warehouse in partnership with Capital West Christian Church for the city of Jefferson City. The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) has served over 400 families in Cole County last week. On Saturday, the MARC moved to the city of Eldon to serve the residents of Miller County. Our Mid-American Union director, Roger Wade arrived on the scene for the weekend and will be working directly with Jodi and his team over the next few days.

Our local DR team was asked to coordinate donation collections at a benefit concert that was held on Monday in Jefferson City. Several donation items were collected for distribution to those affected. The team members also took up collections at the Sheriff’s barbeque the next day. The Mayor of Jefferson City, Carrie Tergin, is coordinating with Jodi on the city’s response to its residents. The United Way organization and the Red Cross of Cole and Miller counties are involved in disseminating information through press releases to the community. Jodi has had the opportunity to be interviewed by the local news outlets and has represented the Seventh-day Adventist church and Adventist Community Services Disaster Response admirably.

Deadly tornadoes have been wreaking havoc on the States in the Midwest. One of the States that was severely hit is Missouri. Three individuals were confirmed dead. Our Iowa-Missouri (IA-MO) Conference ACS director Jodi Dickhaut and his Team are currently on the ground in Jefferson City responding to this disaster.

On Sunday, May 26 a levee was over topped which started flooding in Jefferson City itself, making the response efforts challenging by having additional issues to focus on. Moreover, the National Weather Service report has called for rain exceeding 3+ inches over the next seven days with continued tornado threats. The State Emergency Management is working with the local authorities on coordinating a process on how they can deal with the issue since more than just one jurisdiction is being impacted and they are relatively close to each other.

Tons of clothing and other donation items have started arriving at the shelters in Jefferson City and Eldon. Jodi is working with American Red Cross to find an alternative location to where they will be transferred. Once a suitable facility has been secured, the MO ACSDR will take on this task which would require a significant amount of volunteer support. Our Team on the ground has also been asked to help open a couple of Distribution Centers, along with serving as ambassadors rendering Emotional and Spiritual Care to those that have been affected.

Categories
Community Development Disaster Response Rebuilding Typhoon

Saipan Rebuild Program

Our first program in partnership with FEMA on the island of Saipan has started this week. We had been in discussion with FEMA over the past few months on a Rebuild program post Typhoon Yutu that struck Saipan and Tinian last October. The Greater New York and Northeastern ACS DR teams who assisted with the Rebuild programs in Florida and North Carolina after hurricanes Michael and Florence touched down in those areas last year, has volunteered to assist on Saipan. A group of around 30 individuals will be involved in this 4-week Rebuild program which will run through April 26th.

Our volunteers will be divided into three teams. The Assessment Team which will consist of eight members will be deployed in the first week. They will outline the areas on the island where they need to concentrate their efforts, in consultation with FEMA. In the second week, another ten-member Team will join the Assessment Team to begin working onsite replacing roofs, windows, doors, and other repairs. The third Team will join in the last phase of the Program to continue the needed work. Our Hawaii ACS Director, Gerry Mota, is working with the local ACS DR Team to get them better prepared to serve the affected community. Currently, we have about 30 individuals who are certified in Emotional and Spiritual Care who we hope to connect with the local community to provide care and counseling.

Categories
Disaster Response Floods

ACS Responds to Historic Flooding in Midwest

Historic flooding over the past few days caused by torrential rain and snowmelt have ravaged communities in the Midwest. This record-breaking disaster resulting in four deaths and mass destruction has forced thousands to evacuate. A state of emergency has been declared in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. In Nebraska alone, 89 cities have issued declarations which cover more than 80 percent of the State.

Our Nebraska ACS Director, Rick Young, has partnered with Salvation Army to operate the State Distribution Warehouse in Lincoln that will serve the affected communities. ACS is handling the donations tracking, while Salvation Army is running the warehouse. The State is asking all those who want to offer assistance in cleanup to go through Salvation Army by calling 402-898-6050 or visiting www.salarmyomaha.org. You can also contact the SDA churches in the affected areas to provide help. Our Missouri ACS DR Team worked in coordination with the Missouri Emergency Management Agency to provide aid to the city of St. Joseph. They joined hands with AmeriCorps St. Louis, Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief, and the Missouri Department of Corrections on the sandbagging operations.

Categories
Disaster Response Tornadoes

Deadly Tornado Outbreak Hits the South

Update – March 20, 2019

The local Emergency Management in Lee County, Alabama, was able to secure a 80,000 square foot Warehouse for us to lead and operate. Ray Elsberry, Gulf States ACS Director, is leading in this Effort and is being assisted by Lillie Buckingham and Barbara Barnes, South Central ACS DR Directors. They are working hard to open this facility which will run seven days a week. Forklifts and vital equipment were obtained over the weekend. Other supplies are being delivered and a team is being formed presently. It appears that the doors will be open to receive donations in one or two days. We have created a Needs List for those who would like to assist by donating supplies through Amazon, for the Warehouse.

In addition to Alabama, Georgia was struck by a series of Tornadoes on the same day. Our Georgia-Cumberland ACS DR Team led by Rhonda Haight and John Vauldurzen was managing a Warehouse in Talbotton. Since the damage in Georgia was less severe than Alabama, we had to close operations after a week.

Update – March 11, 2019

Needs List

It has now been over a week since the series of tornadoes struck the states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Michigan. The local conferences continue to be engaged in the Recovery Efforts. Our DR Team from the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, led by Rhonda Haight, is presently operating a Multi-Agency Warehouse in Georgia. In Michigan, the local NGOs have set up Distribution sites to serve the community. We have been in communication with the South Atlantic and Gulf States conferences, discussing efforts focusing on creating a flow of goods that can be distributed to those affected. A church in each of the two conferences has been found viable to serve as a Distribution site or housing for volunteers.

We are also serving in Lee County, Alabama, by providing assistance in the Warehouse that is being run by United Cajun Navy, a local NGO. We informed them of our willingness to work within the structure they desired and of the resources at our disposal like workers, facilities, and knowledge. They were extremely appreciative and requested if we would assess the functionality of the Warehouse. ACS Directors Ray Elsberry of Gulf States and Derrick Lane of South Central were identified as the contact people for these efforts.

Each of these efforts is being managed by local ACS DR teams. The NAD offers support and stays in communication as much as possible. Sometimes we are able to work onsite directly with our teams and other times we contact them via phone calls. In either case, our intent is to encourage their tremendous efforts. This fact was highlighted by South Central holding a new pilot class at Oakwood University in Collections and Emergency Distribution Sites, led by Lillie Buckingham and Barbara Barnes. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director, joined them to co-teach this new course to over 200 people from four different conferences (Kentucky Tennessee, Georgia Cumberland, Southeastern, and South Central). The session ended with a gala on Sabbath evening where Derrick expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation for the effective work of our local ACS DR teams in serving their community.

A tornado that touched down in Alabama this past Sunday, March 3, has been declared as the deadliest one in the State since 2013. Georgia, the Panhandle area in Florida, and parts of South Carolina were also affected by this violent storm. At least 23 deaths have been reported in Lee County, Alabama.

We have reached out to our local Conferences, South Central and Gulf States, to discuss ways on how we can collaborate to serve the needs of the survivors. The North American Division stands at the ready to help as appropriate and both Conferences have indicated a willingness to work together for the good of the community. The South Central and Gulf States conferences currently have their Disaster Response Teams on the ground conducting field assessments to ascertain how much damage has taken place. Based on these initial reports, we will determine how ACS DR can be of assistance.