UMCOR Bright Spots

IN TODAY’S ISSUE
July 17, 2008

Long Term Recovery Continues in Immokalee, Fla.
I HOPE Director Brings Passion to His Work
This Week's Quote
Recovery Stats
New Mobile Homes in Immokalee...(slide show)

By Susan J. Meister, Domestic Disaster Response Correspondent

Hurricane Wilma struck the west coast of Florida nearly three years ago on October 24, 2005. Winds in excess of 130 mph blew through the rural community of Immokalee in Collier County for more than three hours. The winds destroyed homes, ripped up trees, caused millions of dollars of damage to the farmer’s market, and wreaked havoc on the lives of the people—95 percent of who live at or below the poverty level.

Through the generosity of donors, UMCOR was able to assist annual conferences along the Gulf Coast, including Florida, and respond to the damage left in the wake of Wilma and the other storms of 2005. “We used funds from UMCOR to support a number of local organizations mobilized to help with relief and recovery in the southern part of the state,” explained Marilyn Swanson, Disaster Recovery Ministry, Florida Annual Conference.

The work of I HOPE (Immokalee Helping Our People in Emergencies), began when Margaret (Peggy) Benson, a former pastor at First UMC, Immokalee, received a call regarding a $10,000 grant from Operation Blessing for the town. She contacted Richard L. Heers, chair of the local ministerial association, to discuss how to use the funds to help the people recover.

“All the ‘blame’ is with Peggy,” laughed Heers, who now serves as executive director. He met with FEMA and others to discuss establishing a Long Term Recovery Organization (LTRO). He traveled around Florida with the head of the local chamber of commerce (a member of First UMC) to visit other programs and learn how to get organized.

Gricel Hernandez, a staff member of the Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry, is a member of the I HOPE board, who offers ongoing assistance. “I HOPE has given many families devastated by Wilma hope,” Hernandez said. “They have touched many lives in the community.”

Volunteers from many faith-based groups, including United Methodists, have helped to set up and repair homes in Immokalee. Photo courtesy I HOPE Inc.

Swanson explains that more than $216,000 of UMCOR grant funds have been committed to I HOPE to underwrite case management, volunteer coordination and project management. Funding began in April 2006 and will continue through the end of 2008.

UMCOR is one of a number of partners that have responded in Immokalee with funding, volunteers and other resources—including Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Lutheran Services of Florida, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Florida Community Bank, United Church of Christ, and other organizations. Friendship Baptist Church supplies office space and volunteer housing.

The primary work of I HOPE has been to purchase and set up 64 mobile homes from FEMA for families in desperate need of housing. Most of the new homeowners have an income of less than $15,000 annually. With a creative blend of grants and financing, I HOPE assists new homeowners with loan paying, lot rental, insurance and maintenance.

Miss Lazanise lives only on her social security income and had never owned her own place. She came to I HOPE and received case management services from a Creole-speaking case manager. “The opportunity to go into this mobile home really helped her health,” Heers said.

Miss Mary and her children are glad to be in their new mobile home in Immokalee, Florida. Photo courtesy I HOPE Inc.

Miss Mary, who is on permanent disability, was living with her three small children in a one bedroom efficiency apartment, which Heers described as “deplorable” and “roach infested.” Now, she is active in a local church and is attending the home ownership classes sponsored by I HOPE as she enjoys her new home. “I never even thought I would be able to own my own place,” she said.

I HOPE is not only refurbishing mobile homes, it is also managing a number of home repair projects with the help of volunteers. In one case, water damage from Hurricane Wilma caused the bathtub and shower to break through the floor. Volunteers replaced the bathtub and shower, repaired the wall they removed to access the plumbing, and painted both the living room and bathroom. The couple, who are struggling with health issues, were “very delighted” with their rebuilt rooms.

Heers estimates that the Hurricane Wilma recovery work will be completed by the end of 2008. But that doesn’t mean that he is ready to close up the ministry.

“The hurricane uncovered the deplorable conditions in the inner part of Immokalee,” Heers explained. “That’s why we’ve modified our mission to continue our work to assist the community to prepare for future disasters – we want to strengthen and replace housing.”

One of the new projects will rebuild homes with “green technology” in the inner city. Heers explains that the houses will be hurricane-resistant, impervious to rodents, energy efficient and sustainable.

To read more details about I HOPE or to volunteer, contact Heers at 239-657-3889 or rkheers2u@aol.com. Read more about Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry on their web site.

Louisiana United Methodist Disaster Recovery Ministry or other volunteer centers along the Gulf Coast.

For more on the United Methodist recovery work visit these web sites: