The Rev. Michael Hamilton, Deacon for Disaster Preparedness and Response, has provided the following information, as of Nov. 9, 2012, regarding post-Sandy response:
Calls have begun to come in as Episcopalians look for ways to make a difference in the Sandy recovery efforts. We are working hard to connect those who need help with those who want to offer help. Inquiries should be directed to the Rev. Michael Hamilton (michael.hamilton@comcast.net). He will triage requests to the best resource.
Notable points on local needs:
• If you are able to assist with house repair or tree removal locally there are several families in Massachusetts who have requested our help. Send an e-mail to Deacon Michael and he will provide contact information.
• If some of your parishioners need assistance send an e-mail to Deacon Michael and he will try to help identify resources.
Working in New York and New Jersey
• If your parish would like to organize or join a relief effort in NY or NJ and would like help, let Deacon Michael know so that he can assist you in making contacts and preparing to serve.
• Please do not try to self-deploy into the hard-hit areas of NJ and NY. Find an organized relief agency and follow its instructions. Housing is sparse for visitors in the disaster area.
• Two possible avenues for volunteers are New York Cares and Jersey Cares. They are asking for volunteers to man a supply house that is emerging and to help in homes. Samaritans Purse has also sent out a request for volunteers.
• Trinity Church in Haverhill is collecting children’s winter clothing, coats and boots for a parish in South River, New Jersey. If you can help provide new or gently used children’s clothing please contact the Rev. Jane Bearden directly at priest@trinityhaverhill.org.
Thank you for your prayers and your work in helping our neighbors put their lives back together. There will be many more opportunities to help in the coming months. It is important that we maintain communication as needs arise quickly and our response should be likewise. If we know who in the diocese is willing and able to help, then putting together an organized response will be much easier. If you feel called to this work please send an e-mail to michael.hamilton@comcast.net with your name and the type of work you are able to volunteer for and you will be added to the contact list for information e-mails.
Please also remember and support Episcopal Relief and Development in its response efforts. For donation information go to http://www.er-d.org/.