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Welcome to the Presbytery of East Iowa Disaster Recovery Ministry Page
We’re Glad You Stopped By!
 As you know, the floods of 2008 rank up there as the worst natural disaster to ever hit Iowa. But, as usual, God comes beside us in times of tragedy in the form of friends, family, neighbors and strangers from near and far to help us through. For almost two years, we in Eastern Iowa have been so incredibly blessed by the hands and feet of Jesus. Thousands of people have answered God’s call to assist the survivors of the flood and have put in hundreds of thousands of hours of service.
This tragedy has opened opportunities for faith in action. It is an opportunity to reach out not only to those who are affected by the flood but also to those who are looking for a place to call their spiritual home. Presbyterians are known for their hospitality and generosity. Mission and outreach are part of our DNA.
On this web page you will find links on ways you can help with the next phase of flood recovery. We invite you to spend some time here and then contact Sarah Dyck, the Disaster Recovery Coordinator at the Presbytery of East Iowa, with any questions or ideas you might have about how to best serve those who so desperately need our help. We look forward to hearing from you and to working side by side with you in sharing the Good News of Christ Jesus.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
Persons with Experience in Construction Trades are Needed
Volunteer groups are still coming to Iowa this year to assist flood survivors with rebuilding. We especially need the help of people who have experience in the construction trades. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Sarah Dyck, Disaster Recovery Coordinator, at (319) 321-4165.
Oakville, Iowa Still Needs Your Help
The Oakville Volunteer Foundation has entered what it is calling Phase II of the rebuilding of its community. This includes rebuilding homes that are salvageable, constructing new homes, and building public buildings and parks. This phase is estimated to take a little over two years. The Foundation is asking for continued prayers and highly skilled workers to dedicate time to this endeavor. For more information, please conact Sarah Dyck at (319) 321-4165.
DAY GROUPS
If you can only volunteer for a day, call the Presbytery office, 319.354.9220, and ask for Sarah.
OVERNIGHT WORK GROUPS
If you are interested in sending a work team to help with the rebuild and you need overnight accommodations, contact: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Call Center | Ashley Gill 866.732.6121
We need donations to buy building materials. Please send donations to the presbytery office so we can apply the funds directly to local projects. Make checks payable to: Presbytery of East Iowa | 1700 S. 1st Avenue, Suite 23 | Iowa City, IA 52240. In the memo section, write 2008 Flood Relief. All administrative costs will be absorbed by the presbytery and 100% of donations will be used for flood relief.
Gift cards are another way to help!
If you cannot volunteer to work in person, consider giving a gift card from Menards, Home Depot or Lowe's and sending it to the Presbytery office.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP
Presbytery
Local Government and Non-Government Groups
State Government and Non-Government Groups
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS
God’s Call – Our Response PowerPoint Presentation given at the May 12, 2009 Stated Meeting of Presbytery. (Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As" and save to your computer before viewing. If you try to view the link without saving it first, it will take a very long time to load.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThomTSsb7HECheck out Reports from the Peacemaking Round Table, March 21, 2009http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k56ANtiOeII (Cedar Rapids One Year Later)
SERMONS:
OTHER INFORMATION:
PDA Announces Guidelines Regarding the Recent Flu Outbreak for Disaster Recovery Hospitality and Work Sites
In light of the outbreaks of swine flu in Mexico and now in several sections of the US, PDA is concerned about the possibility spreading swine flu in our volunteer villages and at other long-term recovery operations. The risk of viral transmission is significantly increased in group living conditions.
Therefore PDA strongly suggests that all volunteer groups consider the following provisions:
- Asking any volunteer exhibiting flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sneezing, muscle aches) to remain at home. Please encourage such people to go to qualified health care professionals and seek appropriate diagnosis and care.
- Any group planning to travel to PDA recovery operations in the Gulf or elsewhere from an area where there is a confirmed swine flu outbreak should consider postponing the trip until the risk of transmission of the disease subsides
- All teams should plan with an understanding that if the epidemic preparedness status is raised by the CDC to stage 6, all PDP volunteer villages and long-term recovery operations will be suspended until the phase is reduced below 6. Operations will be resumed on a schedule to be announced by PDA at that time.
PDA will make every reasonable attempt to isolate anyone, volunteer or staff, who develops symptoms of the flu while in the Villages.
For More Information:
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