Dear Friends... Today has been a rich and inspiring day. As we get more information about needs throughout our Diocese, many of you have also begun to identify ministry opportunities. When churches and individuals call with offers of material or volunteer help, please refer them to ODR’s Volunteer Coordinator, Pete Nunnally. The best way to reach Pete is via email: pnunnally@edola.org or you may call him at 504-259-1417. Pete will be keeping track of emerging volunteer opportunities, and we intend to post updates on our website.

And now for the update:

Our Gustav recovery efforts are beginning to take shape with a focus on ministries of hospitality, particularly feeding. We are especially grateful for Episcopal Relief & Development's rapid response in support of these ministries. As of this evening, I can report that: 

- St. George's Dragon Cafe, New Orleans, is open and operating; tonight they fed National Guardsmen, New Orleans Police Officers, and some regular guests who also helped to clean up the grounds. They will continue to serve meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Stan Jahncke of the Dragon Cafe has also offered his assistance to other start-up feeding ministries.

- Holy Communion, Plaquemine is preparing to begin serving one meal a day for as long as power remains out in the town (expected to be 4 weeks); ODR staff will be delivering generators and an initial load of groceries tomorrow. In addition to offering her own kitchen for this effort, Mother Karen Gay is also working actively with staff of the local hospital (which was largely evacuated today) to offer operating space in the parish as needed.

- St. Patrick's, Zachary, is also preparing to start cooking tomorrow, and will serve as many meals as possible before the reopening of their school on Monday. The church is serving quite literally as a 'beacon' for a community that is largely still without power. In addition to meals, the church can offer a chance to cool off in the AC as well as internet access.

- Grace Church, New Orleans, has offered to serve as a community kitchen for those without access to food and/or cooking facilities. The Grace Child Care Center will open on Monday, but would be able to share space with the community kitchen.

- St. Augustine's, Metairie, has offered to serve as a place of respite for those without power, and is likely to begin offering meals shortly. St. Augustine's can also offer a number of beds to those seeking a place to sleep in the air conditioning, though Fr. Heine notes that water will need to be conserved in Jefferson Parish until the sewage pumps have sufficient power restored.

- St. Paul's, New Orleans, and Christ Church Cathedral have offered to serve as water & ice distribution points, beginning as early as tomorrow. We are actively working on networking with FEMA on Baton Rouge-area distribution points, as well as with other faith-based and voluntary organizations to ensure that rural areas and smaller towns are adequately served.

- Canon Scott Albergate visited New Roads today, which was badly damaged by Gustav. As National Guard and FEMA support begin to arrive, Fr. Don Brown is in conversation with his congregation regarding possible ministries of response.

- Trinity, Baton Rouge, has also offered space as needed, but I have not yet been able to follow up on this offer with Fr. Ritter and Fr. Heflin.

- ODR staff will be delivering tarps to Rosedale tomorrow, where supplies have been largely inaccessible.

- We are beginning to receive requests for assistance with the the re-entry of those evacuated on public transit to shelters throughout Louisiana and neighboring states. Please stay tuned for more information.

You will note that this list does not yet include parishes in the Southwest Deanery. We expect to find many unmet needs in the Houma and Bayou du Large area, although early reports from Franklin and Morgan City are rather promising. I hope to travel tomorrow to the deanery with our Church Insurance agents.

We remain extremely grateful for the hospitality of Fr. Drew Rollins and St. Albans Chapel. It is wonderful to have a functional base of operations, especially one with great food!

Please do not hesitate to contact me at 504-202-5831 if ODR can support your parish's relief and recovery ministries.

 

Wishing you peace,

Nell