The call for Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief received from effected conferences in Texas at the end of August were answered by the Desert Southwest Conference in many ways. Many United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Early Response Team (ERT) classes were held which resulted in many more trained ERTs as well as recertified ERTs in the Conference. Six teams were deployed which supported clean out of homes, chain saw operations, and damage assessment. New ERT team leaders were certified during deployments. The Conference is better prepared to respond to future calls for rapid deployment. Over 400 clean up kits, over 800 hygiene kits, and over 100 school kits were assembled for the Salt Lake City Warehouse.
South District Highlights: First UMC in Safford worked with local churches and businesses to collect donations. The assembly of kits was hosted by the LDS at the Eastern Arizona College. This activity was reported in the Safford Courier. Desert Skies UMC in Tucson organized a community activity in the southeast Tucson area to assemble many kits.
ERT teams and kits are still needed for Hurricane Harvey Relief.
For ERT or assessment training or deployment contact Polly Turner, polly@ix.netcom.com, 480-897-2880 home, 480-861-9033 cell.
For chain saw training contact Jim Reeves, jim44@cox.net
For kit donation contact Jerry Van Rennes, jerrywvr@gmail.com, 602-882-9761
For general disaster relief information contact Fred Heggestad Disaster Relief Committee Chairperson, fheggestad@msn.com
