The Dakotas Conference has received requests for ERTs (Early Response Teams) and mission teams from Annual Conferences affected by recent storms. Coastal communities in Texas, Florida, and South Georgia can all use our help, as can communities affected by Hurricane Matthew last year. Remember that when you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer as a mission team, each requesting Annual Conference controls the process and coordinates the United Methodist response.

Want to serve in Florida?

We have received confirmation that Florida is ready for volunteers to respond to Hurricane Irma. Trained ERTs will be placed in Irma relief and those who are not trained will be serving with recovery for Hermine and Matthew.

Click here to volunteer through the Florida Annual Conference.

For more information regarding needs in Florida, visit their Disaster Response information page at http://www.flumc.org/disasterrecoveryministry.
 

Want to serve in South Georgia?

In the state of Georgia, Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irma left its worst impact in Coastal Georgia. The South Georgia Conference is looking for badged, current ERT and trained chainsaw teams to help in Chatham and other coastal counties. Lodging can be arranged in local churches; however, teams may need to cook their own meals or use local restaurants.
 
Interested ERTs can contact Luis O. Morales, South Georgia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at morhilll@gmail.com

Want to serve in Texas?

Two Annual Conferences in Texas are calling for ERTs or mission teams.

The Texas Annual Conference is ready to receive volunteer teams to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief. The work consists mainly of cleaning out flooded homes and requires extensive physical labor. At least one member of a team must be ERT trained. Teams should bring their own protective gear and tools. All members need proof of Safe Sanctuary training and clear background check from your local United Methodist Church. Housing is available at a host church in the conference. Team leaders can register their team at http://www.txcumc.org/newsdetail/disaster-volunteer-team-registration-9275846

The Rio Texas Conference is asking for currently certified ERT members for help with debris removal of down trees and roof tarping. Many homes have water damage from damaged windows and roofs. Teams will be based out of Corpus Christi and should register at https://riotexas.org/ert-volunteer-team-registration. ERT trained individuals/small groups not part of a team should register at https://riotexas.org/ert-individual-and-small-group-signup. 

Want to serve in Louisiana?

Teams are currently working two different disasters in Louisiana. The state is in the early response phase (i.e. mucking out) in response to Hurricane Harvey in the southwest part of the state and in the recovery phase (i.e. rebuilding) in response to the 2016 floods in the Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales and Hammond areas. Register your team at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UMCVolunteerRegistration

Want to serve in North Carolina? 

We encourage anyone interested in volunteering, to join the work in Lumberton, NC, or any of the Hurricane Matthew devastated areas as the need is great and our best energy can be put to work right now! Click here to read more about needs in Lumberton and how to volunteer.  

Want to serve in Puerto Rico? 

There is not yet a call for ERTs or other mission teams in Puerto Rico. Even though the situation in is significantly worse, the same process will be involved once Puerto Rico is ready to receive teams. 

Feeling called to serve as an ERT?

The Dakotas Conference offeres ERT training events.  Read more about it here or contact Rev. Rebecca Trefz, director of ministries by e-mail. 
 
Want to stay in the loop with disaster response communication?

Latest information and trainings, as well as invitations to serve, will be advertised on our conference website, www.dakotasumc.org, and e-newsletters.

UMVIM NCJ (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) is also a key player and their weekly e-news is helpful for updates, networking, and a good overview of all the needs and contacts in the North Central Jurisdiction. Find more at here.