Gulf Coast Recovery campaign begins

While this may seem a bit unusual, for those of you who have followed this blog, and our journey, it should not surprise you in the least. Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is beginning their spring campaign for the Gulf Coast recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This will include over 1000 people who will assist as part of spring break, and the many, many others who have made trip after trip after trip to the Gulf Coast to assist since Katrina. We have met many who have gone at least once a year, sometimes 4 or more trips in a year, by themselves and with others, to help those with no other means of recovery.

For all those who were helped with funds from Katrina Aid Today, there at least that many more who did not qualify, or who still have needs. A friend recently returned from the Gulf Coast and was proud that their church group had completed two houses during their stay, but admitted that there were 10,000 more homes to be done. The only way it happens is one house, one family at a time.

For everyone who reads this, and has donated, and/or has given their time to the recovery of the Gulf Coast, we give thanks to God what you have done. For those who have not yet helped, this may be your opportunity.

If you are reading this blog for the first time, go to the beginning as we went to Mississippi just a few months after Katrina and read of the time we spent there. If you have questions or comments, feel free to post them here.


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March 4, 2008

Sisters and brothers in Christ,
When the 2005 hurricane season battered communities along the U.S. Gulf Coast, the response of Lutheran donors was amazing, even overwhelming. Through your support, Lutheran Disaster Response has played an integral role in the initial stages of recovery from these terrible disasters. But the work is far from over. Urban planners and other local officials estimate that recovery could continue for years to come. Now, we ask you to renew your commitment to the Gulf Coast by giving to an unprecedented second funding campaign.All gifts received through this campaign will support the work of local long-term recovery organizations, through staff expertise, volunteers, and other resources. What is a long-term recovery organization? In short, it is a not-for-profit organization formed as a sort of local response headquarters. By working with these committees, local leaders from any active response organization have the opportunity to contribute resources to a wider group and broaden their influence on community restoration. Through long-term recovery, all available resources are multiplied through the collaborative commitment of everyone involved.

To give a gift to the appeal or learn more, click here. Updates on the progress of the appeal, as well as success stories about long-term recovery, will also be posted so please check back regularly. Please share this message as broadly as you are able -- forward this e-mail to anyone who might be interested, post this information on your Web site or blog, share this message in your church bulletin or newsletter, tell others about your experience as a Lutheran Disaster Response volunteer. The response of the Lutheran community to this appeal will help to define our presence in the Gulf Coast recovery into the future.

In 2008, Lutheran Disaster Response celebrates 20 years of bringing help and hope to disaster survivors. Over those 20 years, Lutherans have earned the well-deserved reputation of being committed to the long-term needs of recovering communities from Grand Forks to Oklahoma City, eastern Pennsylvania to southern California, New York City and New Orleans. Thank you for your continued commitment to this amazing and life-changing ministry!

In service,

Rev. Kevin A. Massey
Acting Director

Lutheran Disaster Response
Bringing Help and Hope...
Phone: 773-380-2748
Fax: 773-380-2493
Visit us on the Web at www.ldr.org