ELCA NEWS SERVICE September 3, 2005 Lutheran Disaster Response Leader Visits Astrodome, Houston 05-163-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In a Sept. 2 visit to the Astrodome in Houston, Heather L. Feltman, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, said thousands of people there are "suffering and hurting. Many have not had food or water for days." The Astrodome is shelter for more than 11,000 people who escaped Hurricane Katrina Aug. 28-29. Lutheran Disaster Response -- a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod -- is working to provide immediate assistance to people displaced from their homes, communities and work. It is also coordinating volunteer efforts for search and rescue operations, and providing grants and emotional and spiritual care for survivors of the hurricane. With some access granted to enter devastated areas of Alabama and Mississippi, Lutheran Disaster Response has begun participating in clean-up and recovery efforts and identifying some Lutheran congregations to serve as food and water distribution sites, as well as health clinics. This response is being coordinated with other interfaith and community efforts. "I have visited the Astrodome to see how Lutherans can assist" with "the critical situation" there, said Feltman, who also serves as director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response. "I spoke with many individuals and families this morning and though angry, frustrated and wondering what will happen next, they are thankful that the church is there," she said. "A woman wanted to pray, we prayed. A young man wanted to share a psalm, we said the psalm together. Families were singing their favorite hymns, and I joined in. All were thankful for their lives and that the church has heard their plea for help," she said. Lutherans have committed to serving food and water in the Astrodome, said Feltman. "We are in the process of determining other potential meal programs in San Antonio and Dallas," where more people displaced by the hurricane have been sent for shelter. "As always, we are coordinating these efforts with the local Red Cross and United Way to ensure that those in these shelters are provided an appropriate meal, water and health care," she said. - - - DOMESTIC DISASTERS: Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds to aid survivors of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include: ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764 Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522 Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.ELCA.org/disaster/katrina For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news