Update from Mennonite Disaster Service

Although no volunteers are being recruited for the Katrina disaster in the southern U.S. at this time, Canadian MDS director Lois Nickel reports that the investigative phase has begun in order to assess where Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) can best be involved. Work has started at some of the local Mennonite churches and camps so they can become staging areas for the major work ahead. MDS is suggesting that volunteers continue at the existing projects in California and Florida in the interim. The website will carry updates and will signal when volunteers will be needed in the Katrina disaster area. Travel assistance monies are available and on-site costs of food and lodging are covered. In the meantime, donations to MDS can be made on-line or at the local MDS office. Call 866-261-1274 or e-mail.

Donations can also be made to MCC offices. MCC and MDS are partnering in their response to Katrina. MDS has requested MCC’s assistance in making material resources and emergency supplies available. MDS has also asked MCC to support U.S. Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches responding to the relocation of evacuees outside the hurricane damage zone.

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