The Disaster Response Team of the Michigan Conference suggests several important things United Methodists can do to assist thousands of their neighbors who are now suffering from flooding in mid-Michigan.

Reprinted from the Michigan Conference website

May 21, 2020 | LANSING, Michigan – Over the past two days historic flooding continues to impact the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan. It is estimated that 10,000-12,000 people have or will be affected by flooding. Michigan United Methodists join Bishop David Bard in praying for people living in the region, first responders, and community leaders.

Nancy Money, the Coordinator for Disaster Recovery Ministries for the Conference, reports that a $10,000 grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), requested by Bishop Bard, has been approved. These funds will assist in the Conference’s immediate response to relief needs in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Needs will be assessed by the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Team in coordination with local leaders. Keep reading

You Can Help

The Disaster Response Team, chaired by the Rev. Robert Miller, is asking Michigan United Methodists to respond in these ways at the present time:

• Assemble Cleaning Buckets & Hygiene Kits. Please follow these instructions, that include new COVID-19 sanitation protocols.
• Donate to the Michigan Conference Disaster fund. For those wishing to donate to Great Lakes Bay Region flood victims, checks may be sent to the Michigan Conference at 1161 East Clark Road, Suite 212, DeWitt MI 48820. It is important to include this exact language in the memo: #4407 Michigan Area Disaster Response. Give online here.

Please note. Volunteers are not needed at this time. The Disaster Response Team has mobilized and readied Michigan’s trained Emergency Response Teams (ERTs). ERTs will be deployed when impacted communities are ready and able to receive them. General Volunteers In Mission will be needed in the future.