Disaster Response Ministry - Tioga County Rebuilding

In late summer of 2024 a flood hit the Tioga County. Particularly hard hit was Westfield and the surrounding area. For over a year many residents affected by the flood have been displaced from their homes. They are living in hotels, campers, and with friends. After assessing the damage a year ago and “mucking out” all the mud and debris the floodwaters brought into the homes, the rebuilding began. As many of you know, it is a slow process. Those who are hoping to get into their homes, sooner rather than later, struggle with the long wait. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the area that is most affected and see for myself the homes that are in need. One home had a work team from the United Church of Christ in the Frederick, Maryland area. They had successfully pulled out all the walls saturated with water which had created black mold and were beginning to work on the floors that had been damaged as well. Their goal for the week was to get the house ready for the next crew to come in and do plumbing and electrical work so that insulation and dry wall could be installed. Again, it is a slow process – one step at a time. 

There are many other homes in need of repair. Some won’t require as much work as this particular home, some that will also need to be gutted, and some that need debris and overgrowth removed from the outside.

Work teams are needed. All skill levels are needed. Christmas is coming. Let’s put some families back in their homes for Christmas.

For more information you can call Sara Shaver, Disaster Relief/Volunteers in Mission Coordinator at the conference office (717-766-5376) or Kristin Hamilton, Executive Director of the Tioga County Development at khamilton@developtioga.org, 570-723-8232.

Rev. Sara Shaver

Disaster Response Coordinator

drc@susumc.org

Web: www.susumc.org/drm

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Planning for Disaster Response Victories

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

In most sports, the coach prepares the team for a game by developing a plan. This blueprint outlines the strategies and tactics to which players will adhere and execute during competition. Using a plan clearly defines roles and responsibilities, establishes goals, and guides the team toward success. When disaster strikes, it is equally important to have a plan and allow God to bless it for success.

This was particularly evident when major flooding swept through the Clarks Summit area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District) on September 9, 2023, catching many people off guard. As a result, nearly 300 individuals and/or families in and around this community just outside Scranton found themselves wondering how to address their wet basements and damaged property. And, when the call for help went out, the response to meeting this need mirrored the work of a well-practiced team entering competition.

In the hours immediately following the flood, Rev. Mike Bealla and the congregation at Elm Park UMC opened its doors. It’s not the first time they’ve come to the rescue of their neighbors in need. They worked with the American Red Cross to open a temporary shelter at the church. And, because of this witness in the community, those who were displaced by the flooding were able to find refuge and experience the love of Jesus in action.

Over the next few days, most families utilizing the temporary shelter had made more permanent arrangements until their homes were safe, sanitary, secure, and livable. The decision was made to close the temporary shelter. But the Red Cross still had one family of three that was unable to find suitable lodging. And because of the support and generosity of churches and individuals throughout the Conference, the Disaster Response Ministry provided an additional three weeks of temporary housing that enabled them to focus on putting the pieces of their lives back together.

As the weeks passed, PA VOAD partners planned for and started responding to the needs of the Clarks Summit community, specifically providing basement cleaning/muck out and debris removal. Requests for Conference teams were made. Pennsy Waltman and a team from Mt. Calvary UMC (Harrisburg District) answered the call. And plans were made for the team to spend a week in Clarks Summit. Countryside Community Church offered to host the team, providing lodging and a kitchen. Ministry partners from the Baptist Resource Network provided a shower trailer. Tom Meyer, South Gibson UMC, offered to do some property assessments in advance of the team’s arrival so they could be prepared to start work on their first day. 

Mt. Calvary team was joined by volunteers from Countryside Community Church that week. Five homeowners were blessed. This joint team cleaned/sealed basements, removed debris, accomplished landscaping, removed/repaired drywall, and replaced flooring.

God’s promise is clear. As we plan for and pray about doing what He has called us to do, He will guide us toward success. In Psalm 20 and 21, we are told He will give us those things we desire in our heart and grant us success. And, when that success comes, we can be thankful and rejoice in the victory.

Douglas Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org
Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402
Website: www.susmb.org
Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse
Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Your Neighbors Need Your Help

By Doug Hoy, SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

Since recent hurricanes and storms passed through the east coast, your neighbors and friends have been working to address the destruction that has been left behind. Many are cleaning out flooded, wet basements, removing debris from their properties, and making necessary repairs to their walls and roofs. And, they need your help.

In Galatians 6, we are called to share one another’s burdens. And, as you can imagine, recovering from a disaster can be accompanied by some very heavy burdens. Are you called to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus? Do you have the gifts to be a caring, Christian presence in the lives of those who are struggling to address their disaster needs? In scripture, Jesus offers rest to those who labor and are burdened. Can you carry your neighbor’s burdens and provide them with an opportunity for respite? Matthew 11:28-30 also tells us that we are to take up the yoke of Jesus, one that is easy and light. Consider becoming yoked with Jesus and one another to lighten the load of your neighbors. And, as you do, know you will “fulfill the law of Christ.”

The Disaster Response Ministry has been awarded an UMCOR Solidarity Grant to assist in the disaster relief efforts taking place within the Annual Conference. In addition to the need for volunteers, there is also a need for local coordinators to assist with organizing the effort and working with other organizations to provide for community needs.

Williamsport District

The community of Knoxville (Tioga County) is struggling to recover from flooding left behind by Hurricane Henri. Many households have reported some kind of damage and indicated they have a need for help. The Knoxville UMC sustained a flooded basement that damaged everything and the church was without gas and electric service for some time.

York District

Communities throughout York County are working to recover from Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Ida. Efforts to provide assistance to nearly 500 households are ongoing. Work includes mucking out basements, clearing outside debris, assessing and tarping roofs, mitigating mold, removing drywall, and beginning the rebuilding process.

If you are interested in helping your neighbors in their time of need, please contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Douglas Hoy, at drc@susumc.org or call 717-766-7441, ext. 3402.