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from "ELCA DISASTER RESPONSE"
1378 (of 1378) MELANIE JOSEPHSON Jan. 12, 1998 at 11:51 Eastern (2662
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So very much progress has been made in the Upper Midwest, but not all
people are doing well. "I think that we're just now feeling the full
impact of the disasters" reported Karyn Lutz the LDR/LSS coordinator in
Ada, Minnesota. This sentiment was echoed by Bonnie Turner and Rose
Kormann, the state directors for North Dakota and South Dakota. People who
have been able to make it on their own are just now coming forward saying
that they can't do it anymore without help. Many families have invested
all of their savings (if they were fortunate enough to have any) into
repairing their homes. Those that were on the edge financially, including
hundreds of farmers suffering from the past few years of poor harvests,
have been pushed over the edge. In South Dakota, LSS/LDR is receiving even
more requests of residents simply asking for help to buy the very basics of
life....food and money to keep the heat on. The situation is much the same
in rural North Dakota and is beginning to be felt in Minnesota as well.
All of this has it's physcial, emotional and spiritual toll on the disaster
survivors. I was asked, "Why are we not able to get excited about anything
anymore?" "Why are we physically not feeling well?". Exhaustion has set
in for many. It is crucial for Lutheran Disaster Response to have a
stronger presence now than ever. People continue to need to know that
others care and are there to help them along the way. Your Lutheran
Disaster Response is committed to being there long term. LDR will continue
to need your support in these efforts.
We continue to need skilled labor in all three states, especially those who
can do mudding, sheetrocking, framing and general carpentry. The energy of
youth groups can best be used this spring and summer to repair downed fence
lines, snow breaks and to plant trees. We strongly encourage groups to come
with as many skilled people as possible, but with at least one skilled
person (who is willing to instruct others) to every four to five unskilled.
To receive more information, including a trip planning packet, please call:
MINNESOTA AND NORTH DAKOTA: 1-800-987-0061
SOUTH DAKOTA: 1-800-568-2401
To contribute financially: ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694
On behalf of LDR/LSS operations of North and South Dakota and Minnesota,
THANK YOU for your partnership in helping to bring hope and healing to many
in the Upper Midwest.
1:26 pm Fri, Jan 9, 1998
Melanie Josephson, Lutheran Disaster Response of Minnesota
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
2485 Como Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108, Phone 1-800-987-0061
*** End of original note ***
GILBERT B. FURST (written on Tue, Jan 13, 1998, at 12:30 am)
Associate Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
Internet address: [log in to unmask]
For more information, click on our web site: www.elca.org/dcs/disaster
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