Contact:
Barbara White, Volunteer Coordinator, Agape in Bloomsburg
19 East 7th Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Email:  agapevol@ptd.net
Phone:  570 317.2210

A personal interview with a home owner.

In September 2011, Tropical Storm Lee hit the eastern part of the United States.  Bloomsburg, PA is microcosm of the devastation left behind by its remnants.  Lee unleashed more than a foot of rain in places from Louisiana to New York, sending creeks and rivers rising to record levels and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes. On September 20, 2011, Emergency Management Coordinator, Larry Lahiff, estimated that in Columbia County (where Bloomsburg, PA is located) 2,500 structures were damaged or destroyed by flood waters.  When he predicted that clean-up and recovery for the thousands affected would take months, he was right.

Lee unleashed more than a foot of rain in places from Louisiana to New York, sending creeks and rivers rising to record levels and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes. On September 20, 2011, Emergency Management Coordinator, Larry Lahiff, estimated that in Columbia County (where Bloomsburg, PA is located) 2,500 structures were damaged or destroyed by flood waters.  When he predicted that clean-up and recovery for the thousands affected would take months, he was right.

Watch video of the storm damage below and here is a personal interview. 

Your group can now help with this recovery process.

Work Needed:  Long-Term Disaster recovery from September 2011 flood caused by Tropical Storm Lee.  Repairs on individual owner-occupied homes.

Time:  Different time periods of service can be arranged with volunteer coordinator.

Group Size:  20 - 25

Accommodations:  Accommodations in a local community church building.  Bring sleeping bags or air mattresses.  Shower provided.  Kitchen provided to prepare  your own food.  AGAPE organization has tools and materials.  groups may bring their own tools (well-marked), if desired.

Cost:  Donations accepted.  Contact AGAPE Volunteer Coordinator for details.

Minimum Age:  16 years.

Adult to Youth Ratio:  1:5

Educational/Advocacy Components:

• Preparation for the trip:  "Mission Trips That Matter: by Don C. Richter, Upper Room Books.
• On-Site Reflection:  'Meeting God in the Ruins - Devotions for Disaster Relief Volunteers."  Free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only.  group leaders are responsible for coordinating these sessions.
• Follow up Action:  Help your local community prepare for possible disaster and response.  Be sure your local congregation has a plan in case of local disaster (View sample plan).  Get to know your UCC Conference Disaster Coordinator and stay involved.
• UCC Identity:  UCC Disaster Recovery T-shirts available for purchase from United Church of Christ Resources 800.537.3394 or click HERE.  Cost of T-shirt:  $7.00 + shipping and handling.