Report of work by Zion Mennonite volunteers working through Columbia County Flood Relief in Vernonia.
This is a summary of work done by Zion Mennonite volunteers last week. Remember that Mennonite Disaster Service's Oregon Unit is willing to reimburse travel, food, and lodging expenses for volunteers working through Columbia County Flood Relief. Please call Bob Smith 9541-231-3875) or call Robb Wilson in Vernonia (503-429-4948) for detailed information.
In response to the request sent out by Goldie Heyerly August 13, 2008, an appeal was made at Zion Mennonite Church for volunteers who would be willing to go to Vernonia to assist in reconstruction after the December 3, 2007 flood of the Nehalem River. Estimates are that some 800-900 homes suffered substantial damage due to the flood.
In response to our plea for volunteers, Bob Kauffman, Dick Hansen, Tom Brenneman and I started working on sheet rock at Mike F’s home Monday morning. We completed the sheet rocking of the 1500 square foot house about 4:00 pm on Wednesday. The only thing not completed was putting the metal corners in place. We left the house swept with all debris removed.
Owner Mike’s plan is to have the house raised eight feet and placed on a raised concrete foundation. He is having many problems working out the financial arrangements. The insurance company they only have offered to pay $50,000 in damages. The raising alone will cost $50,000. They lost most of their personal possessions in the flood and need to essentially start all over.
There will be substantial work to tape and mud the sheet rock after the house is raised.
Mike is not certain how soon he can get the house raised. It may be some months before he is ready to have the sheet rock finished.
This is the email that I received from Mike on Thursday….
"Clyde, Thank you so much for sending me this information (about the electrical inspector’s recommendations). After I woke up yesterday I went to the house to see how you guys did and it looks Awsome! I really appreciate all your guys hard work."
The four of us had a great time and enjoyed helping out Mike and his family.
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MDS volunteers are known for repairing and rebuilding homes damaged by disasters. But it takes more than construction skills to serve with MDS. During the time that you serve as a volunteer, you will learn that MDS also restores lives.
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