2023 Storms Update, Southeast Jurisdiction
Friends,
We are just barely into the month of April, and already an overwhelming number of disasters have hit communities throughout the Southeast.
As of right now, storms in March alone have killed nearly 30 individuals, and resulted in catastrophic damage in multiple Annual Conferences.
On top of this, many Annual Conferences are still dealing with active Disaster Recovery efforts who are in need of volunteers. If you are feeling a call to serve with those in disaster areas, consider one of the many disaster recovery efforts going on who need volunteers. The above video goes through best practices and reminders about wanting to serve in a disaster area.
The following is the latest information from Annual Conferences who have been hurt by these recent storms, as well as Conferences who are in desperate need of teams for recovery from previous storms. Though we try to keep all information up to date, please check with the contacts listed below.
North Alabama Conference
On March 24, parts of Alabama and Mississippi experienced devastating storms and tornadoes. In response, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) approved a grant from the Mississippi Conference for emergency relief and gave permission to the North Alabama Conference to use unused funds previously awarded to address the current disaster.
In our own North Alabama Conference, most of the response is being handled on the local level with great support from the United Methodist Disaster Warehouse in Decatur.
The Warehouse welcomes volunteers — from youth to retirees. All volunteer activities are scheduled. Please complete the Volunteer form or call the Warehouse at 256-341-9961 to schedule your group.
Mississippi Conference
The damage in Mississippi is extensive. Rev. Vickie White from the Mississippi Conference has reached out to invite volunteers and teams to help in Rolling Fork and other areas. Below are the current needs Mississippi has shared.
Continue to pray for all those who have been affected, directly and indirectly.
Financial contributions either mailed to the Mississippi Conference, P O Box 1603, Jackson, MS 39215 or submitted electronically at https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2411283
If you are interested in being a part of an ERT team in one of the many affected areas of Mississippi, please reach out to Willie Morris at morris61@msn.com.
If you have questions about the various affected areas in Mississippi and want to volunteer, please reach out to Rev. Frank Newell at fnewell@mississippi-umc.org.
Kentucky Conference
Kentucky is at the beginning of the Recovery Phase from the floods that devastated the Southeast portion of Kentucky on July 28th, 2022 in which they experienced 11 inches of rain in 2 hours. This event came only 6 months after the devastating tornadoes in Western Kentucky. Those interested in serving should contact Rev. Jim Savage at jsavage@kyumc.org
North Georgia Conference
The North Georgia Conference had an unusual number of tornadoes January-March 2023 unlike anything we've experienced before. On January 12th, the system that tore through the southeast resulted in a dozen tornadoes in Georgia. North Georgia Conference is currently working with UMCOR and county local long term recovery groups, and will need the assistance of UMVIM teams partnering in rebuilding. Please contact Rev. Scott Parrish at scott.parrish@ngumc.net for more information.
