Lutheran Disaster Response
committed to long-term recovery

September 21, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas --Thirteen months after Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, followed a month later by Hurricane Rita, Lutheran Disaster Response is well into the long-term recovery effort in the devastated region.

Lutheran Social Services of the South is the disaster response agency for LDR in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. With funding and support from LDR, LSSDR has coordinated the efforts of more than 17,000 volunteers who performed more than 700,000 hours of volunteer work. As a result, more than 3,000 homes have been mucked out and 1,100 homes were rebuilt.

In addition to the physical rebuilding, LDR/LSSDR are working to rebuild lives and restore hope through case management services funded by Katrina Aid today. Offices in Houston, Baton Rouge and New Orleans have been established to help hurricane survivors identify short- and long-term needs, develop plans for recovery and identify resources to achieve their goals.

More than 1,100 people have been served to date through the case management program. An estimated 6,400 will be served by October 2007. Additional volunteers are needed to assist with this program.

The combined effort of rebuilding homes and lives is making a difference for the thousands who have been affected by the hurricanes. For those who have literally lost everything – homes, jobs, community – the task of rebuilding lives can be overwhelming.

One such victim is Marvin Jordan of Biloxi, Miss. Three days after evacuating his home of 30 years, Jordan returned to his Biloxi neighborhood praying that the damage would be minimal. As he approached his home, he was grateful to see that the house appeared to have sustained what looked like only roof damage.

It wasn't until he opened the front door that his heart sank as he saw the muddy ruins inside - furniture, carpeting, walls and cherished photos. In the days and weeks that followed, Jordan became so depressed he had to seek help from a doctor.

He learned of Lutheran Disaster Response from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. After contacting the agency, staff organized volunteers to repair Jordan's home.

"When they (the volunteers) came along, it turned out to be the best medicine I could ever get," said Jordan, who recently moved back into his home. "I thank God for the volunteers. He sent them here!"

The devastation is so immense that those outside the hurricane zone do not realize the extent of the damage, said Kurt Senske, chief executive officer of Lutheran Social Services. “We will need volunteers for the next two to three years at least.”

“People outside of the hurricane zone don’t fully understand the toll these disasters have taken on the victims,” said Senske. “Think of how disruptive it is when you have a plumbing problem and have to find a plumber, take off from work to meet the plumber and hope he or she gets there and gets everything fixed in one visit. Or, think about how even a minor fenderbender messes up several days and you have to deal with getting the vehicle repaired, arranging for a rental car and arguing with insurance companies.

“For the people in the hurricane regions, that disruption is multiplied many times over. Every aspect of their lives has been affected. They have to find plumbers, electricians, tree removal people, insurance adjusters, etc. If they’re lucky, those folks might show up when they’re supposed to. But because there is such a shortage of skilled laborers, it is nearly impossible to find the plumber, electrician or sheetrock hanger.

“And they have to do this all while living, driving and working amidst the destruction. It can truly be overwhelming and that’s why volunteer help and other case management services are needed,” Senske said.

Lutheran Disaster Response is known for working in a disaster zone long after the TV cameras have left and the memories of a disaster fade.

“This is a multi-year response and LDR is committed to accompanying the communities in the long-term recovery process,” said Heather Feltman , director of LDR. “Healing and hope are being restored daily.

“We are thankful for the thousands of volunteers who have traveled to the Gulf Coast to assist their neighbors. Volunteers are crucial to our response efforts. Thanks be to God for them all!”

Lutheran Social Services of the South Disaster Response is operating volunteer camps in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi that provide housing, meals and spiritual care to volunteers.

For more information about Lutheran Disaster Response and how you can help, please visit www.LDR.org. Skilled laborers, such as plumbers, electricians are especially needed.

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