Many people are working to put their lives back together after losing everything to flooding in Canton, South Dakota and a tornado in Wessington Springs, South Dakota that occurred in mid-June. Kathy Chesney, Dakotas Conference Disaster Relief Coordinator for South Dakota describes the ongoing efforts of United Methodists. 

Wessington Springs

To date of the 46 homes sustained damage.  Twenty-six homes have been demolished and most of the rubble removed. There are several home owners waiting to hear from insurance. Several of those that lost their homes have been in contact with manufactured home businesses and are moving forward.

The Springs Area Long Term Recovery Team is a powerful collection of people committed to that resilient spirit that energizes a community. The committees are active and moving forward.

Case management is being handled by United Methodists under the leadership of Kathy Chesney.  Kathy describes, "We have begun the long term case management process with the first of several 'group meeting nights'."

Five businesses in Wessington Springs were completely destroyed. Loss of income and jobs is quickly becoming a concern.

Wessington Springs United Methodist Church in Wessington Springs, South Dakota is serving as the headquarters for donations that assist victims of tornad. Pastor Martin Avery and the members of Wessington Springs UMC continue to do an incredible job managing the donations.  To date items of $20,000.00 in value have been provided to over 60 families.

Canton

Ninety percent of the homes in Canton, South Dakota experienced damage when over 9 inches of rain fell in a 24 hour period and flooded the community.  To date 70 homes have been mucked out and several are into the drying stage.

Reverend Steve Ziebarth, Canton United Methodist Church serves as the chair of the Lincoln/Union Long Term Recovery Team. The long term case management process will assist individauls with needs that are not covered by insurance or other funding sourse.  

Kathy Chesney, Dakotas Conference is assisting the Canton team establish criteria and a process that will work for the community. Chesney will also assist with case management training.

Canton UMC has reached out to those in the community by volunteering to host Redeemer Free Lutheran Church for their VBS. The Lutheran church building was heavily damaged in the flooding. In addition, Canton UMC hosted a Rib Fest to provide some fun and funds to flood victims. 

Canton United Methodist Church will have a pancake breakfast, Saturday, July 26, 2014, 8-11a.m. in Kennedy Park in Canton, South Dakota.

The Dakotas Conference was granted an emergency grant of $10,000 through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).  These funds will provide a start to the long termrecovery efforts that are needed.  To read more about how you can help click here