Title: Lutherans Provide Relief after Storms Hit Illinois
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 23, 2002

LUTHERANS PROVIDE RELIEF AFTER STORMS HIT ILLINOIS
02-172-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod (LCMS), continues to organize recovery efforts after
tornadoes and floods struck 68 counties in southern Illinois this past
spring.  Two people died and dozens of others were injured as a result
of the tornadoes.
     The storms damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes in southern
Illinois, said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director, Lutheran Disaster
Response.
     According to Church World Service, Furst said, "families in the
area of southern Illinois [earn] a very low income."  Due to the closing
of coal mines and a major industry, this part of the state has
experienced major economic setbacks, he said.  The ELCA participates in
the work of Church World Service.
     "The number of uninsured people in the area is very high and the
ability for people to qualify for SBA (Small Business Administration)
loans is low.  Reports indicate that many communities here do not have
the resources available to meet national flood insurance requirements.
Therefore, residents in the communities do not receive federal
assistance, even when there is a declaration of disaster," Furst said.
     Lutheran Children and Family Services of Illinois is managing
Lutheran Disaster Response efforts, he said.  "Lutheran Disaster
Response is working in coordination with the Centralia-based Long-Term
Recovery Committee, which is active in the south-central Illinois
counties of Bond, Jefferson, Marion and Wayne.  At least 60 families in
this area have 'severe recovery needs,'" said Furst.
     "As Lutheran Disaster Response responds to hurting people whose
disaster never made the headlines, the church will be present to write
the rest of the story," Furst said.  "Your prayers will sustain those
who are affected.  Your donations will help the church offer God's help
and hope," he said.
-- -- --
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to 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, IL  60694-1764
800-638-3522

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html