August 31, 2005 (Baltimore, MD) - Hurricane Katrina devastates Gulf Coast area

Hurricane Katrina, with winds in excess of 120 miles per hour, wreaked devastation across a wide area of the Gulf Coast earlier this week. Information is still sporadic as a result of the storm damage, but the impact is clearly catastrophic: 80% of the city of New Orleans is under water, there is widespread damage in Gulfport and Biloxi, MS; areas of Alabama have experienced loss of power and significant flooding, and in south Florida 120,000 people remain without power and reports are that the avocado crop has been almost completely destroyed. There are reports that Lutheran church buildings have sustained damage, and Lutheran social ministry organizations in the area have had facilities damaged or destroyed.

Lutherans are prepared to respond with a coordinated effort. Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is a cooperative effort of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod with a proven track record of providing assistance in the face of disaster. LDR has established a reputation for responding quickly and remaining on the scene for the long haul. LDR works in partnership with Lutheran social ministry organizations and others on the scene to provide effective assistance in the most cost-efficient ways. You can help by:

Sending financial gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response. These gifts support a flexible and efficient plan for immediate response to the disaster. Contributions can be sent to:

ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
Phone (with credit card) 800-638-3522

OR

LCMS World Relief and Human Care
1333 South Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
Credit Card Gift Line: 888-930-4438

Individuals who are members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans can have their gifts matched for maximum impact. Please go to www.thrivent.com/fraternal/katrina.html for more information.

Plan now to work as a volunteer during the recovery. It will be weeks before volunteer groups are permitted on the scene, but then there will be a great need for volunteer help with the clean up and rebuilding process. You are strongly encouraged to coordinate your volunteer efforts through the LDR office.

Please note: Many people are calling to offer various forms of assistance. Please do not become discouraged if you do not get immediate response to your offer. This is a tragedy that will require months, and even years, of response. Volunteers will be crucial down the road. If you are able to offer accommodations for displaced persons, in-kind gifts, volunteer services, or other forms of non-cash assistance, please send an e-mail to Erin Day at erin.day@elca.org. Indicate what you are able to offer and provide contact information so that Lutheran Disaster Response can get back to you as your help can be utilized.