Tuesday, January 01, 2008

2008 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN MINNESOTA!!!

In late August, 2007 a weather system produced heavy rains in the upper Midwest as remnants of Tropical Storm Erin made their way inland, producing major flooding across a broad area of the central U.S. Storms downed trees and power lines, leaving an estimated 375,000 customers without electricity as flooding from this event claimed at least 22 lives.

In the wake of the storms seven counties in SE Minnesota received a federal declaration. Preliminary estimates indicate at least $26 million in flood damage and including 1,500 damaged homes across six counties. In response to this flooding, Brethren Disaster Ministries is working closely with the Northern Plains district to begin working in the Rushford, MN area. Currently there is an immediate need for volunteers to help begin the reconstruction in this area.

During the winter months this project will operate on a week by week basis requiring volunteers to be flexible.

Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to assist our brothers and sisters in Minnesota.

Please contact Zach Wolgemuth, Associate Director, Brethren Disaster Ministries
410-635-8737 (office) 410-259-6194 (cell) for information or to schedule your group.

Volunteers Needed:
January 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27- February 2, February 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-March 1, March 2-8

Housing/Meals:
Housing will be at St. Marks Lutheran Church and an adjacent parsonage. Sleeping arrangements will be set up in two separate quarters for men and women. Each quarter will have 6 full size bunk beds w/ mattresses bringing sleeping capacity to 24 (12 men and 12 women). We would still ask that you limit group size to 15 volunteers. Be sure to have volunteers bring their own bedding and or a sleeping bag. Housing will be shared with other volunteer groups and meals will be provided locally. Cooked meals will be provided for both breakfast and lunch. Supper may consist of sandwiches or a cooked meal from a local church. Wireless internet is available in the one building used to house volunteers.

St. Marks Lutheran Church, 104 E North Street, Rushford, MN 55971 - Project Phone # 410-596-3427

Directions:
  • Take Interstate 90 either from the West or East To exit 249 (just south of Winona, MN or just North of Rushford)
  • Exit 249 is Minnesota State Hwy 43
  • Go South on Hwy 43 to Rushford, approx 10 miles
  • Hwy 43 becomes Mill Street in Rushford
  • After crossing Rush Creek, go 1 or 2 blocks and turn left on North Street
  • It is ½ block to St. Marks, A redwood color stained church on the right, south side of the street
  • Enter the basement thru the rear door on the right side
Transportation:
Volunteers will need to use their own vehicles on project to go back and forth between the housing facility and the work site.

Volunteers can be reimbursed for project related fuel costs or mileage upon request.

Work/Tools:
Work will consist of but may not be limited to insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, painting. Currently there is no tool trailer on site and tools are being provided by the long-term recovery group. Volunteer groups are asked to bring some basic tools.