Event: Major Flooding and Severe Weather from Missouri to Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia
Event Date: July 26, 2022 (with stationary fronts continuing)
What Happened and Where: Record-breaking floods have devastated communities from central and eastern Missouri to eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Kentucky has already received a federal disaster declaration; affected persons should register via 800-621-3362 or disasterassistance.gov.
Impact to the UCC: UCC Global H.O.P.E. Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery Lesli Remaly is actively monitoring the flooding response. In Kentucky and West Virginia there was no impact to UCC church structures; however, some congregants have family who were affected. The flash flooding in St. Louis/St. Charles, MO, impacted one church building via flooding and mud in the fellowship hall and a couple of classrooms. A few clergy sustained flood damage to their homes.
UCC in Early Response: Global H.O.P.E. is raising awareness of the needs and offering solidarity grant support. Already, 3 requests have been received through Rev. Greg Denk, Indiana Kentucky Conference Disaster Coordinator (CDC). Rev. Denk is also distributing cleanup buckets in affected communities. CDCs in all three impacted conferences continue to monitor emerging needs and engage in coordination calls through their state Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
UCC in Long-Term Recovery: Recovery from these severe storms will take years. Community centered and locally led Long-Term Recovery Groups will be formed to assist with emotional and spiritual care needs and coordinate the longer process of repairing and rebuilding homes. Long-term funding will be necessary as the United Church of Christ is a leader in helping communities organize for recovery, repair, and rebuild. Volunteers will also be needed for many years, and churches should consider organizing teams to help, bringing hope and healing to devastated communities.
How to Help: How-you-can-help-Disaster-Survivors-2022
Join the Willing to Respond Network of Churches: Willing to Respond Preparedness Network
Assemble Kits and Clean Up Buckets: CWS Buckets and Kits | Help Communities in Need Around the World (cwskits.org)
Donate Emergency Funds-Designate to Emergency USA: Donate Now - United Church of Christ (ucc.org)
or to mail donations: Donate - United Church of Christ (ucc.org)
Sign up to Volunteer: https://support.ucc.org/volunteer-opportunity-form
Volunteer Opportunities: UCC Ministry Opportunities
Connect for news and updates:
News - United Church of Christ (ucc.org),
Disaster Ministries - United Church of Christ (ucc.org)
Facebook One Great Hour of Sharing (UCC)
Twitter @OGHS_at_UCC
For more information, please contact Lesli Remaly (remalyl@ucc.org), Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, or your Conference Disaster Coordinator (in the Southwest Conference, contact Gloria Smith gsmithrev@aol.com or Tom Davis thdavis353@gmail.com).