Stories from the Field: Disaster Recovery Grant Builds Bridges and Hope for the Future

Article written for Global HOPE Newsletter by Rev. Gary M. Barraco – Conference Disaster Response Coordinator for the Penn Northeast Conference.

When disaster strikes, the first images we see are often of emergency crews rushing in, food and water being distributed, and shelters opening their doors. Yet for communities devastated by hurricanes, floods, fires, or earthquakes, the real work of healing begins long after the headlines fade. United Church of Christ (UCC) Disaster Ministries recognizes that recovery is not measured in days or weeks, but in years of rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and renewing hope. Their initiatives go beyond immediate relief, investing in long-term recovery that strengthens resilience, addresses systemic vulnerabilities, and ensures that no community is left behind once the cameras are gone.

In September 2025, a vital chapter in Northampton County’s disaster recovery efforts came to a close—and a new one began—as Rev. Gary Barraco of the Penn Northeast Conference Disaster Ministries and Rev. Paulette Obrecht of Lutheran Disaster Response–Eastern Pennsylvania presented final payments to Ryan Engler, owner of R.F.E. Enterprise LLC, for the reconstruction of a private bridge damaged by flooding in July 2023.

The bridge, located in Lower Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, PA, is the only access point for four residences. Severely damaged during a series of unnamed storms, the bridge was reconstructed and completed in Fall 2024 by Mr. Engler, who began construction without formal contracts or payment guarantees, motivated by a commitment to community need. While two residents paid their share in full through equity loans, Mrs. Harrington (name was changed to protect confidentiality)—an octogenarian facing financial hardship—agreed to pay $100 a month toward her part. Despite limited resources, Mrs. Harrington shows a strong desire to take part in her own recovery and works a few hours a week at a local store to earn her share for paying the builder.

After exhausting federal loan and grant options, the teams from Lutheran Disaster Response and the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries—guided by its case manager—recognized the financial and spiritual burden on Mrs. Harrington. Both teams submitted grant requests to their respective denominations to cover the remaining balance of Mrs. Harrington’s share of the $105,000 project cost.

The purpose of these grants is to restore safe, dependable access to the homes of four families. In total, more than eight people will benefit from rebuilding the bridge, including elderly residents, children, and caregivers whose daily routines rely on this single-entry point. For Mrs. Harrington, this grant represents not only financial relief but also a genuine step toward healing and stability.

After two years of case management and negotiation by UCC Disaster Ministries and Lutheran Disaster Response, it was decided that the best way to support this recovery effort was to pay the remaining balance of the bridge debt owed by Mrs. Harrington. Lutheran Disaster Response contributed $8,000.00, and UCC Disaster Ministries provided $7,875.00. Both payments were given to Mr. Engler today, fully settling Mrs. Harrington’s financial obligation and concluding this collaborative recovery effort.

The dedication of many individuals has shaped this project. Rev. Karl Jones, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, worked closely with Lutheran Disaster Response to recruit Rev. Paulette Obrecht as a UCC Partner in Service to lead case management. Although her formal service term has ended, Paulette continued to collaborate with all parties to ensure resolution. Julia Frank of Lutheran Disaster Response has been a consistent and valuable partner. Local leaders, including the Lower Mount Bethel Township Manager and a Northampton County emergency manager, have also played key roles in supporting the project. At the core of it all is Ryan Engler, the contractor who took on the reconstruction without any guarantee of pay, driven by a spirit of service and trust.

In a heartfelt moment during the check presentation by Paulette and Gary, Mr. Engler announced that he would give back to the community by making additional enhancements to the bridge, turning a recovery effort into a story of renewal. “Ryan’s faith seemed to be revived and transformed,” said Gary Barraco, the new UCC Disaster Ministries leader in this region. “This bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s a symbol of what happens when neighbors, faith communities, and local leaders come together,” he continued. “We’re not just rebuilding access. We’re restoring hope.”

About UCC Disaster Ministries: The United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries supports communities in times of crisis through coordinated relief, recovery, and resilience-building efforts rooted in faith and compassion.

About Lutheran Disaster Response: Eastern Pennsylvania Lutheran Disaster Response–EPS provides long-term recovery assistance and disaster preparedness resources to individuals and communities affected by natural and human-caused disasters and is a ministry of Lutheran Congregational Services and Liberty Lutheran.

For further information, contact: Rev. Gary M. Barraco, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Pennsylvania Northeast Conference, gary.barraco@gmail.com