South Carolina Recovery
In early October, 2015 heavy rains inundated South Carolina. Columbia, SC was heavily impacted as nearly 4313 families in Lexington County and 18031 in Richland County registered with FEMA for assistance. As needs assessments continue and long-term recovery needs are being identified UCC Disaster Ministries is working closely with FEMA and other agencies to begin repairs on select homes that qualify to receive assistance and require minimal casework.
The Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI) is a new project that has been developed collaboratively with the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries (UCCDM), Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (CCDOC), and Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM). The focus of this Initiative is to provide support for the development of local Long Term Recovery Groups by deploying a small team of experienced individuals to a disaster affected area soon after the incident. The team’s purpose is to train, coach, and mentor local leaders and volunteers as they plan their own recovery in order to help them start the work of rebuilding homes faster and more efficiently.
Work Needed: Repair/Rebuild homes damaged by flooding. Work ranges from basic carpentry to sheetrock, flooring, painting, roofing, insulation and finish molding
Site management: Site and construction management is being provided by UCC Disaster Ministries in partnership with local recovery agencies
Time: Arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Saturday morning; work Monday-Friday
Minimum Age: 15 years (senior high age groups accepted)
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4
Maximum Group Size: 12
Accommodations: Holy Apostles Orthodox Church at 724 Buff St., West Columbia, SC
Required: Insurance certificate from the sending church and waiver forms
Tools: Tools are provided for most types of carpentry work however, groups are encouraged to bring their favorite tools
Cost: $50/person/week
Meals: Groups will be expected to purchase and prepare their own meals.
Scheduling: Contact Lana Landis at SCprojectdrsi@gmail.com or 330-701-6042, DRSI Volunteer Registration/Release form can be found here.