LDR Ohio is available to assist families and congregations impacted by the current flooding.  The Blanchard River is overflowing its banks in Putnam and Hancock counties. The river is expected to crest at 7 feet above flood stage, affecting hundreds of families in the area. Some families were flooded in August 2007, February 2008 and now March 2009.

Our goals are to provide case managers for families in need, volunteers to help remove debris and mud from homes, donated material items and spiritual care.  The Lutheran congregations, through LDR Ohio, are able to support families whether government assistance is available or not.  Families need safe, sanitary and secure homes and LDR Ohio volunteers are available by calling the LDR Ohio office at 740-732-6700 or Mary Woodward, Disaster Coordinator at 740-509-1132.

Lutheran Early Response, a member of LDR Ohio, is collecting flood buckets, towels and washcloths, sheets and pillowcases (all sizes), blankets (all sizes), appliances and furniture.  Other items to help families move into temporary housing are also needed.  To donate material items or to host a collection day (to fill a trailer), please contact Mary Woodward at 740-509-1132.

Flood buckets need to contain the following: 1 gallon of bleach, 2-3 large trash bags, rubber gloves, scrub brush, Pine-Sol or other ammonia based cleanser, Comet, N-95 face mask and sponges.

Monetary donations are also needed for families with special needs.  Funds may be sent to LDR Ohio, 810 Main Street, Caldwell, Ohio  43724, attn:  Mary Woodward.  For more information on specific families in need, please e-mail Mary Woodward at mwoodward_1@msn.com.

Thank you for responding!

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Disaster Facts.

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Disaster Preparedness Training Schedule and Sign Up

For information on how you can help in any disaster, select any of the following links:

Lutheran Disaster Response
http://www.elca.org/disaster/article.asp?id=47&mode=1
or
http://www.ldr.org/

LCMS World Relief
http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=8651

Church World Service
http://www.churchworldservice.org/

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Volunteers are currently needed in Houston, Texas to help with home repair. No construction skills needed, only a willingness to learn.  For more information, click here.

Bringing hope and healing

The mission of Lutheran Disaster Response is to bring God's gift of hope and healing to a disastrous situation.  Lutheran Disaster Response is the outcome of expressions of the Lutheran church (congregations, districts, synods, and social ministry organizations) working interdependently.  In addition, Lutheran Disaster Response recognizes and honors the efforts of other community resources and seeks to avoid duplication in meeting needs.  It is the intent of Lutheran Disaster Response not only to be present at the time of crisis, but also to be present throughout the stages of disaster recovery. Lutheran Disaster Response seeks to serve Lutheran congregations and their members as well as the wider community.

Disaster Plan defines roles and responsibilities
The Lutheran Disaster Response Ohio (LDR Ohio) Preparedness Plan represents a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities of Lutheran expressions of church partnering in disaster response in Ohio.

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