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Dear Friends,

In many ways, the “natural” events of the past six weeks have been anything but natural. The sequence and enormity of storms and earthquakes, wildfires, here and around the world, have brought unprecedented suffering and damage to so many.
 
The NYAC Mission Ministries Office, which includes Disaster Response, continues to be in contact with UMCOR, Conference Disaster Response and VIM Coordinators, and other domestic and international partners as we develop a plan for an effective and coordinated response. The important thing to remember is that, as a “connectional” church, we are already present in many areas working to bring healing and hope.

Below you will find updates from UMCOR and NYAC response efforts, opportunities to provide financial support, ERT trainings, team deployments, and the collection sites of materials and supplies. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them on the Disaster Response webpage at http://www.nyac.com/currentdisasterresponse
 
Please continue to be in prayer for the survivors, first responders, and those who will serve in the long-term recovery effort.

Tom
 
Rev. Tom Vencuss
Coordinator, NYAC Mission Ministries
Disaster Recovery Ministries

Texas - Two annual conferences, Rio-Texas and Texas, have requested Early Response Teams. Teams from the NYAC are being assembled. A first team is deploying to Corpus Christi on October 4 and another is planned for December 2 to 9. To serve on a team please contact Tom (tvencuss@nyac.com).

Louisiana - we are awaiting updates from the Louisiana Disaster Response Coordinators. 

Florida - No general call has gone out yet for out-of-state volunteer teams however the Florida Conference is looking for volunteers to assist in call centers, distribution centers, and in other capacities  https://florida-reg.brtapp.com/hurricaneirmaregistration.  As soon as an infrastructure is established to receive teams information will be posted.  

Caribbean - We are in communication with UMCOR and updates are posted on the NYAC homepage as received. Tom Vencuss has met with the NYAC Caribbean Mission Partnership to discuss possible response efforts and plans. 

Puerto Rico - Cathy Earl, of UMCOR, has provided this response update

Mexico - UMCOR is in communication with its partners in the impacted region, including the local Methodist Church, and is ready to support with relief efforts. Please pray for those surviving the earthquakes and for emergency responders. 

Northwest Wildfires -  Seven states in the northwest are reporting widespread fires. UMCOR is in communication with Conference Disaster Response Coordinators in the northwest who are monitoring active forest fires. At this time, there are no requests for volunteers or material donations. Please pray for the safety of evacuating families, fire officials, and the many people responding through UMC conferences and churches.

What Can We Do? 

  • Continue to be in prayer for all persons throughout the world who have been affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and torrential rains.
  • Read and share the most recent pastoral letter from Bishop Bickerton  (September 20) 

DONATIONS

  • UMCOR has designated two Advance numbers for domestic financial donations: US Disaster Response Advance #901670 and the Material Resources Advance #901440. Donations for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands should be made through the US Disaster Response Advance.   
  • UMCOR has one designated Advance number for international relief and recovery efforts: IDR#982450. 
  • We are also setting up a fund to assist our own Early Response Teams with their travel and supplies. Contributions may be sent to the NY Conference, 20 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606 with “New York Disaster Response Fund" on the memo line or donate online by going to https://ny-reg.brtapp.com/MakeaDonation and choose "Disaster Response Fund" in the Direct Your Gift drop-down list.

CLEAN-UP AND HEALTH KITS, AND OTHER SUPPLIES

  • Begin assembling clean-up and health kits. A list of collection sites can be viewed by clicking here. On Tuesday, September 12, 190 buckets were sent to Mission Central from the NYAC.
  • Mission Central is now accepting “other” donations for hurricane relief. They will not accept used clothing or food items. They will accept NEW Clothing (especially socks and underwear), paper products, and of course, cleaning supplies. If you have received these approved “other” hurricane relief supplies, please bring them along with the cleaning and hygiene kits to the collection sites. 

EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS

  •  NYAC Early Response Teams are forming. A team is currently scheduled for October 4 to 11. Another team is scheduled for December 2 to 9.       
  • Consider attending a Basic Early Response Team training or an ERT-Recertification class. Visit this page for a full schedule of Basic and Recert classes. Registration is required.
  • Consider serving on an ERT Team. All ERT volunteers must have a current badge and background check
  • Consider leading an Early Response Team. All team leaders must have been on a prior ERT and attend an UMCOR Team Leader Training event, or have prior team leader experience. 
  • Continue to follow updates on the NYAC website. 
 

NYAC Events Facebook www.nyac.com

New York Conference, 20 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606
Toll free: 888-696-6922 | Phone: 914-997-1570