LDRNY Eletter | Eletter Archive
Dear Friends of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York:
Here’s the February edition of Comfort & Renew Online, a monthly e-newsletter provided by LDRNY. If you have something to share, please drop an email to mikki@LDRNY.org .
More healthcare funding sought
New York City Mayor Mark Bloomberg advocates for federal healthcare funding for recovery workers and others who are or may become sick due to exposure to Ground Zero. His position follows a report by a city panel on World Trade Center health, which unanimously recommended several actions, including re-opening the Victims' Compensation Fund. In addition, members of Congress have drafted legislation to provide care for the estimated 40,000 people who may suffer ill health. For more on these proposals and to find out what you can do, visit www.ldrny.org
LDRNY remembers 14th anniversary of the WTC attack
On Feb. 26, 1993, 1,500 pounds of explosives were detonated in an underground parking garage below 1 World Trade Center. Six people were killed in the attack and thousands were injured. LDRNY remembers the families of those who were killed and we pray for all who were affected. The World Trade Center Memorial and Museum will tell the stories of each of these victims and the experiences of those who were affected on that day.
To learn more, visit http://www.buildthememorial.org/. The WTC Survivors Network, an LDRNY partner, includes survivors of both attacks on the Trade Center.
Two local Lutheran churches go the Gulf Coast for rebuilding
Two Lutheran churches in Westchester County recently returned from a trip to the Gulf Coast to continue helping to rebuild after Katrina. To read the story and see photos, go to www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News.
LDR allocates $8.3 million for hurricane relief
In 2007 Lutheran Disaster Response – a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod -- is expending $8.3 million in response to the 2005 hurricane season. Since that season Lutherans have raised more than $26 million to organize and fund recovery work. According to Lutheran Disaster Response, the 2005 hurricane season yielded 26 "named storms," 15 of which were hurricanes that caused total insured losses of more than $47 billion. Among the most powerful storms were Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma, which caused widespread destruction in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
College students go to the Gulf Coast for spring break
In an attempt to accelerate the rebuilding of neighborhoods in Orleans Parish, almost 10,000 volunteer college students from across the nation will arrive in New Orleans in early March to gut thousands of Hurricane Katrina-damaged houses throughout the month. Both destroyed properties still untouched and partially-gutted houses are eligible for gutting. The project, an unprecedented gutting effort by a network of partnerships, is spearheaded by the Gutting Taskforce, a newly created team of the Greater New Orleans Disaster Recovery Partnership (GNODRP). This collaboration of nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups and agencies works toward the long-term recovery of the Katrina-affected parishes.
LDR on the scene after Florida tornados
A federal disaster declaration has been made for four counties in central Florida after severe storms and tornados swept through the region in February. Danielle Kearney, LDR coordinator with Lutheran Services Florida, attended the Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster meeting and reports that the response by all disaster agencies has been very positive. Local long-term recovery committees have been activated to coordinate the response efforts of the various disaster partners. Coordination for debris removal and putting tarps on damaged roofs is being handled by Christian Contractors. Second Harvest Food Bank is coordinating all food donations. Distribution of food and other necessary items is being coordinated by the American Red Cross and Adventists Community Services Disaster Response, and over 2,600 meals had been provided through lunchtime Sunday. Lutheran Services Florida, the LDR affiliate for the state, will be coordinating volunteers interested in serving in the affected area as the long-term recovery begins. Lutheran Counseling Services has already sent a team to visit the impacted counties.
Volunteers needed in Hawaii
Eight volunteers with skilled training in carpentry, basic construction, and/or basic concrete are needed for a two-week period in Hawaii, beginning in mid- to late- March. Volunteers are responsible for their own costs of transportation, lodging, food, and other incidentals. Building materials will be supplied by the VOAD. Anyone interested in volunteering in the response effort should contact Maj. Glen Doss, head of the Kona VOAD, at glen_doss@usw.salvationarmy.org or by phone at 808-326-2330.
World Cares Center still helping victims
World Cares Center, with locations in lower Manhattan and Midtown, offers free events to anyone affected by 9/11, especially the recovery community and caregivers. You can sign up for yoga, reiki, acupuncture, and workshops. Check out the calendar online: World Cares Center Headquarters & September Space Midtown:
http://worldcares.org/sspace/midtown/index.shtml
NYDIS database enhances NYC disaster preparedness
New York Disaster Interfaith Services, of which LDRNY is a partner, recently launched its secure web-based database system – HOWCALM --that tracks the logistics and assets of houses of worship, religious schools and faith-based service providers in New York City. Every house of worship in NYC will receive a registration package by mail as HOWCALM™ is rolled out in all five boroughs over the next few months. This disaster preparedness tool can be used by faith-based organizations to manage the assets of houses of worship under their jurisdiction; or by emergency management to plan humanitarian response in times of crisis. http://www.nydis.org/resources/headlines/2007_01_17a.php
Take a planned Faith Walk around Ground Zero
LDRNY partner Koinonia NYC invites you to take a Faith Walk around Ground Zero. Faith Walks are inspirational and educational tours of Ground Zero and surrounding landmarks, encouraging healing and hope in the face of despair. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, or want to read more about others’ experiences, go to www.LDRNY.org. Participants always report back that they liked the Faith Walk. Here is a comment fromone person: "It was informative, very moving, and certainly uplifting. In your very kind and thoughtful manner, you put us all at ease. Your friendly way made us all able to participate and enjoy this opportunity."
Make a gift to LDRNY
LDRNY is grateful for the gifts it receives. You can earmark your gift to LDRNY for 9/11 assistance, programs for children, or wherever help is needed most. To send a gift, see the contact info below.
LDRNY contact info
To contact LDRNY, call 1-866-864-1600, or send an email to Mikki@ldrny.org. Visit the website for information on any of our programs – www.LDRNY.org.
LDRNY
22 Cortlandt St. 10007
New York, NY
1-866-864-1600
212-406-9736
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