The Holy Cows (Christians on Work Service) will be hosting a work camp to the Spruce Springs, NC / Asheville NC area to aid in repairs from Hurricane Helene.

April 12-18th / anticipated cost $100.

For more information contact Dianne Hetrick, gingervalley21@gmail.com / 717-261-1722   (St Paul UMC, Chambersburg, PA)

Dear VIM Teams,

We are reaching out to inform you that the Eastern PA Conference is in urgent need of volunteers for recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida. This is a critical time for our community, and your support can make a significant difference.

Currently, there is great flexibility regarding availability, allowing you and your team to contribute as your schedules permit. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Denise F. Shelton directly. She will assist with coordination and paperwork to ensure a smooth process.

It is important to remember that, even though time has passed since Hurricane Ida, many survivors are still in the rebuilding phase. Recent reductions in volunteer support due to America Corps cuts have further highlighted the need for help.

Together, we can make an impact and serve our community in this time of need. Please reach out to Denise at projectrestoration@epaumc.org or use the following link to access more information: Volunteer Form.

Additionally, if you are responding, please ensure to contact Sara Shaver at drc@susumc.org for insurance documentation.

Thank you for your consideration and support. Together, we can make a difference!

The Mississippi Annual Conference Disaster Response is looking for interested long-term volunteer teams who would like to share their time, presence, gifts, service, and witness in helping us recover the Mississippi Delta from the devastating March 24, 2023, tornado that catastrophically damaged the towns of Rolling Fork and Silver City, while impacting several smaller communities. The work of long-term recovery volunteers strengthens and enriches the recovery of survivors and the communities.

The work being done includes repair work on homes with minor damage to major damage, and complete home rebuilds from the ground-up to the final touches before a family moves into their new home. The Mississippi Conference in working with Delta Force Long-Term Recover Committee welcomes volunteers to come and serve where their skills best allow. Volunteer teams are welcome to come for a weekend, a week, or even longer. There is plenty of work for volunteers of all skill sets.

There are several options for housing that groups can choose to best serve their needs. Cary Christian Center (154 Cottonwood St, Cary, MS 39054) has rooms for rent. Local churches are welcoming for groups to stay (bedding and toiletries not provided). Hotels are available, however, availability and proximity to the disaster sites vary. The volunteer coordinator will be happy to work with teams to determine what accommodations would best work.

Volunteers will receive a great sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from their work as they provide a Caring Christian Presence and being in partnership with survivors as they recover. The skills and knowledge they will gain working on rebuilds or repair projects will be invaluable for future mission projects. Volunteers will also receive warm hospitality from the residents and survivors of the historic Mississippi Delta. There are also plenty of opportunities to see historic sites and experience world famous Mississippi cuisine.

If you have an interest in learning more about volunteering or to schedule your group’s work mission to the Mississippi Delta town of Rolling Fork (Sharkey County) or Silver City (Humphreys County) contact Chris Adams, Volunteer Coordinator. Chris (she/her) can be reached at cadams@mississippi-umc.org or (601) 818-5899.