United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Advisory
The United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) for the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church has released the latest volunteer updates for storm-affected states in the south as of May 5, 2011.
More UMVIM Advisories
We have received many requests for information from people who want to respond to the tornado affected areas in Oklahoma and Joplin, MO. At this time we have been requested to not send any volunteers into these areas. During the initial phases of emergency recovery a surge of volunteers can cause more harm than good. As things progress we will keep you updated on the ways you can serve through OK VIM.
Currently, there is a need for teams to serve in Tushka, OK which was hit by a tornado on May 14th. The recovery continues and the need is great: 149 homes were destroyed, 47 have major damage and 33 have minor damage. If you are a certified team leader and are ready to put together a team to serve in Tushka please contact Richard Norman at 405-530-2032, RNorman@okumc.org for more information.
All teams going on mission must have a certified OKVIM team leader. If you do not have a person in your church who has been to training in the last 3 years the first step is to attend our team leader training. We have two more trainings in 2011: September 17th and November 5th. Both trainings will be in OKC. You can register on our website, www.okvim.org.
Dakotas Annual Conference:
As of Thursday, July 14, the Dakotas Annual Conference has asked that volunteers not come to Minot until further notice.
For more information and updates on the flooding in the Dakotas, you can stay informed through the Monday @ Dakotas newsletter here.
Missouri Conference:
For information about volunteering in response to the tornado in Joplin, please visit the FAQ page (http://www.umocm.com/page23/page24/page24.html ).
North Alabama:
For the latest information on North Alabama Conference Disaster Response to the April 27 storms, please visit http://www.northalabamaumc.org.
The North Alabama Conference Disaster Response Center is now open. Calls can be made to that center toll free at 855-862-8657.
Alabama West Florida Annual Conference:
The request for volunteer teams has been suspended until further notice, as damage assessments and recovery continues, and until a final framework is put into place. The conference will be ready to receive outside teams in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for email updates requesting help at that time or visit http://www.awfumc.org for the latest news.
North Georgia Annual Conference:
For information regarding disaster response in North Georgia, please visit http://www.ngumc.org/ for the latest updates.
Mississippi Annual Conference:
For updates from Rev. David Newton and guidelines for volunteer teams, please visit: http://www.mississippi-umc.org/pages/detail/1208
Donations to Springs Storms 2011, UMCOR Advance #3021326 can be made online here.
By mail, checks are made payable to UMCOR and mailed to: UMCOR P.O. Box 9068 New York, NY 10087 *Please indicate UMCOR Advance #3021396 on the memo line of your check.
For local church and Annual Conference credit, place your gift in the offering plate on Sunday and indicate Advance number #3021326.
For additional volunteer information, please contact
Cristin Farrington, Director of Communications United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, SEJ cristin_farrington@umvim.org 205.453.9480
