With the Mississippi river reaching a near record crest today, and with the expectation that the flooding will remain severe through the end of May, church groups and others are beginning to organize a short term and long term response. The Episcopal News Service reports on the efforts of the Diocese of Mississippi.
“‘The bishop appointed the disaster relief team in late February. We got on the ground in March. Then the storms hit and now the floods are coming and we’ve had to kick into a gear that would allow us to check on people,’ Lenoir said in a May 9 telephone interview.
He and the Rev. Carol Spencer, diocesan coordinator for disaster prep and response, have undertaken multiple relief efforts, from physically moving people and their belongings to connecting ‘those who need resources with those who have them,’ added Lenoir, a priest associate at Chapel of the Cross Church in Madison and editor of the diocese’s ‘Mississippi Episcopalian’ publication.
[…]The community was also asked to contribute to the Mississippi Disaster Fund, via the diocesan website, and to Episcopal Relief & Development as well. Contributions of gift cards for fuel or gas or other necessities are also welcomed, she said.”
More here.