MDS Volunteers to work in Indiana

MDS volunteers from northern Indiana are preparing to respond to flood damage in Gary, Indiana.

In September 2008 the city of Gary experienced flooding from severe rains after Hurricane Ike. Damage was widespread and in the months since the flood waters receded, over 18,000 households in the area have applied to FEMA for assistance. The local recovery committee, Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana (LARRI), reports that there is still a need for help. LARRI officials list 900 homes that need repair or need to be rebuilt. Some of these homes are in a 100-year flood zone and may need to be elevated.

Vernon Graber, chair of the Indiana MDS unit, expects to send in day volunteers beginning next week. MDS volunteers anticipate working under the direction of LARRI and work along with volunteers from Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) who are already working in the area. The CRWRC leaders say that there is plenty of work for volunteers from both agencies.