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1500 Leestown Road, Suite 108 | Lexington, Kentucky 40511 | (859) 269-7715 | Fax (859) 269-1240
Dear Colleagues:
Once again, Kentucky has
been hit broad-side with a series of disasters. Unfortunately,
we have suffered a double portion of disaster in the form of multiple
tornadoes (and strong winds) plus floods. It seemed at first that
we would be spared serious emergencies, but as storms were compounded
by additional storms the numbers began to rise. We are in the
clutches of another major disaster in the Commonwealth. Kentucky
Interchurch Disaster Recovery Program (KIDRP) leaders are a part
of a weekly conference call that includes Kentucky Emergency Management,
FEMA, the Red Cross, Church World Service, and a variety of other
voluntary agencies throughout Kentucky. Initial relief efforts
are underway, but some of these agencies must have a federal declaration
before they can officially act. We are still waiting for a presidential
declaration, which seems more than justified, but is of yet not
forthcoming. KIDRP will step in and provide longer term recovery
help when the initial relief agencies abate. We are asking
churches to contribute now to the Kentucky Interchurch Disaster
Recovery Program (KIDRP) so we will be able to aid the hundreds
of victims throughout the state who need our assistance.
Those Who Need Assistance:
Most of the wind damage is
in Henry County, where 347 homes were affected 100 of which were
either destroyed or received major damage. Other wind damage occurred
in Fayette, Jefferson, Hopkins, and Grayson Counties. In Eastern
Kentucky, major flooding occurred in Knox, Magoffin, Johnson,
Martin, and Floyd Counties.
KIDRP's Initial Actions:
KIDRP is mainly involved
in long term recovery; during these early days of relief
efforts KIDRP's immediate task is to gather as much information
as possible and to set up faith-based meetings to address long
term recovery concerns. So that we can be the best stewards of
our churches' contributions, these initial planning meetings are
very important. The regional Church World Service representative
will be present to provide training for all who are interested
in helping.
You can help:
Publicize and/or attend these disaster training
and planning meetings--
If you, or others from your church can
attend the training sessions June 17 in Prestonsburg, June 18
in Louisville, or June 24 in Eminence, please register for this
meeting by e-mailing the
KY Interchurch Disaster Recovery Program
(or by phoning 502-426-8566). Registration is not necessary to
attend any of these meetings.
Give to your KY Interchurch Disaster Recovery Program--
WE ANTICIPATE THAT MAJOR FUNDS WILL
BE NEEDED FOR VICTIMS WHO WILL FALL FAR SHORT OF WHAT THEY WILL
REQUIRE FOR RECOVERY. Churches should start planning NOW to contribute
to the KIDRP account to aid hundreds of victims throughout the
state. We will distribute the money according to the priorities
we set during the planning meeting and in keeping with regulations
that govern contributions to local recovery committees. As usual,
contributing churches will be credited with the gift. KIDRP has
been a shinning beacon for numerous people over a 30-year period.
Contributions to the Kentucky Interchurch Disaster Recovery Program
are tax-deductible. Even with the stress imposed by the economy
we are obligated to help our brothers and sisters. Let's not fail
them now. Make checks payable to: The Kentucky Interchurch Disaster
Recovery Program, 1500 Leestown Road Suite 108, Lexington, KY
40511.
Get the word out--
Please forward this message to members
of your congregation or parish, make announcements about the need
for monetary contributions, and broadcast these efforts and needs
in your publications. You can also help us to inform our constituency
as to how KIDRP operates. Since we are a recovery, rather
than a relief program, our major work begins after
the established relief and response agencies (Red Cross, Salvation
Army, Emergency Management, FEMA, etc.) have provided for the
immediate essentials for temporary shelter, food, and clothing.
This doesn't mean that we turn a deaf ear to the initial problems,
but we don't normally become directly related in the first stages.
The central priority in the beginning is to gather information,
provide leadership for establishing a permanent committee, and
inform our 900,000-member constituency about the needs in our
state. During this initial phase we also make preliminary estimates
of the monetary and volunteer contributions that we will need
and we begin to appeal to our member communions.
Pray--
As always, we will keep you informed
as to how things are going with updates at www.kycouncilofchurches.org.
Above all, pray for those who once again have been ravaged by
winds and waters. The ecumenical spirit dictates that we reach
out to help those who are our neighbors in their hour of need.
Thank You:
On behalf of the entire staff
of the Kentucky Council of Churches, the Kentucky Interchurch
Disaster Recovery Program Committee, and all volunteers, supporters,
and assisted familes, we cherish your assistance and support.