The Presbyterian News Service has put out a special report about the ongoing relief efforts along the Gulf Coast.  The videos included in the report are powerful.  You can access the information by clicking the links below.

This story and photo located at:

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07115.htm

07115

February 28, 2007

Special report: Gulf Coast relief efforts

Extensive coverage includes stories, video and photo albums

by Jerry Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - The Presbyterian News Service - in partnership with Media Services and Internet Services - has released a special multi-media report detailing progress in Gulf Coast relief efforts since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area in August 2005.

Reporters from PNS and crews from Media Services have spent much time in recent months along the Mississippi coast and in New Orleans, documenting the efforts of Presbyterians to help with the rebuilding.

The special report includes news and feature stories, interviews, still photographs and more extensive photo albums, and video features.

Coverage includes stories on Lakeview Presbyterian Church's efforts to rebuild its ministry and facilities in one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods in New Orleans; one volunteer crew's "house-gutting" work under the leadership of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA); the struggle to rebuild New Orleans' fishing industry and food distribution networks; the work of Presbyterians and others to minister to the thousands of children traumatized by the storm and its aftermath; the rebuilding of homes along the Mississippi coast; and an unlikely partnership between a black church, a Jewish synagogue and PDA working together to rebuild homes.

Video features allow viewers to see and hear relief workers tell their stories in their own words, as well as to see the catastrophic destruction the storm wreaked in New Orleans.

Photo albums offer a close-up, detailed look at the destruction and Presbyterian efforts to overcome it.

See the Special Report at

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/gulfrelief/index.htm.

I received this from our area coordinator for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  If anyone is interested in helping out please let me know as soon as possible.

Hi folks:

I am sending this email out to numerous Presbyterian-types who have in the past expressed an interest in disaster response work. There is a great need for volunteers to help with debris removal due to the ice storms in Southwest Missouri (Springfield area). The Americorps volunteers who are coordinating the effort are seeking groups of any size (and shape) over the next few weeks and for any length of time. This is an ideal opportunity for unskilled folk as well as those able to use chainsaws, etc. A group could drive down one evening, work all day the next day, and drive home that evening.

Americorps is able to assist with housing and work assignments.

In Lawrence County alone, just southwest of Springfield, 568 households still need assistance. Over 600 have already received help from local groups. But the local groups are getting tapped out.

I promised that I would pass along word of this need anywhere and everywhere. Please pass the word along to anyone who might be interested.

Feel free to call me with further questions or for information (cell 314-616-7896, church 314-726-6677)

OR call directly the Americorps emergency response team for that region at 573-446-3336.

A specific contact for Lawrence County (headquartered in Mount Vernon, MO) is 417-461-5560.

I would love to know if you or anyone in your churches or scout troops or whomever, does end up going!

Yours in Christ,

Kelly Allen, Pastor, First Pres. of St. Louis and representative, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Missouri Interfaith Disaster Response Organization.

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