September 2, 2005

Hurricane Relief Update

HOOSIER DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The state has established the new Hoosier Disaster Relief Fund to provide funds for Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts. If you have employers wanting to contribute to hurricane disaster relief, but who don't want to give to UMCOR or any religiously affiliated agency, encourage them to contribute to the Hoosier Disaster Relief Fund. Contributions are being accepted by Old City Bank and National City Bank or by mailing contributions to Hoosier Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 2123, Elkhart, IN 46514

SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE ADDS MORE COLLECTION POINTS

In addition to the four locations listed yesterday to collect Health Kits, Flood Bucket Kits, blankets, bottled water and clothing, here are more:

Bill Estes Ford at I-74 & St. Rd. 267
450 E. Northfield Dr. in Brownsburg
Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

Bill Estes Chevrolet at 96th & Michigan Rd.
4105 W. 96th St. in Indianapolis
Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 10pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

Union Chapel UMC, 2720 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, is offering to individuals, the community, schools, and churches to collect items for health kits. The items collected can be brought to Union Chapel UMC, 1 p.m. on Sept. 10.

NO COLLECTION SITE INFORMATION FOR NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE HAS BEEN RECEIVED FOR POSTING.

BULLETIN INSERTS

UMCOR has bulletin inserts available online for using in worship services. They are available to download at http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/print/bulletininserts/hurricanekatrina.cfm 

HOSTING HURRICANE KATRINA REFUGEES

The Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, a state government agency coordinating relief efforts with the state, has begun to coordinate efforts to host refugees from the stricken areas. Volunteers wanting to open their homes need to be willing to host their guests from at least 60 to 90 days and may need to host them up to six months. Those willing to host hurricane refugees in Indiana can contact Jeanie Hewitt at Hope International at 317-955-0358. More information about refugee hosting will come in Tuesday's Hurricane Relief Update.

FAKE HURRICANE RELIEF WEB SITES

There are fake hurricane relief sites collecting money. The SANS Institute (a major worldwide IT security training/certification provider) has started issuing warnings about such sites. Be safe and give only through known sites such as www.umcor.org.  FEMA also has a list on their web site of reputable charities through which donations can be made. (see http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18473)

HOLD SUPPLIES UNTIL TRANSPORTATION IS ANNOUNCED

At this point in the Hurricane Katrina emergency, it is important to collect and hold relief supplies until roads are open. Presently, unauthorized shipments of goods will be turned away unless they are documented with the state and have a recipient to receive and distribute the goods. Fuel is very expensive (up to $6 a gallon in some places) in the disaster areas. It has been reported in INVOAD conference calls that those who mean well are running out of gas in Louisiana and finding there is an extreme gas shortage leaving them stranded. All trucks leaving Indiana with relief supplies need to be filled to make the most of the expensive fuel. The disaster response coordinators in each conference will keep us posted on the transportation of goods.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS -- BOTTLED WATER AND HEALTH KITS

The most needed items at the present time are bottled water and health kits. Two semi-trailer loads of donated bottled water left this morning for Louisiana. Bottled water will continue to be a need during the next month of relief efforts.

Compiled by
Dan Gangler, director of communication
Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church

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