Press Releases

Hurricane Katrina Update 9/07/05

One week after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), through its Nazarene Disaster Response (NDR), continues vital response efforts on the frontlines. Along with the America Red Cross and other government and nonprofit disaster agencies, NDR is mobilizing volunteers, collecting donations, and providing relief in the most heavily affected areas.

Hurricane Katrina left hundreds of thousands of people homeless, and more than one thousand are either missing or dead. Officials estimate it could take months to recover from the widespread devastation.

The Board of General Superintendents has assembled a task force to explore how Nazarene churches can participate in the resettlement of evacuees. Details will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, Nazarenes continue to respond with compassion. Several Nazarene districts and local churches in the affected areas have opened their doors to serve as temporary shelters and distribution centers.

Nazarene Headquarters has received hundreds of inquiries-from people both inside and outside the denomination-who want to help.

While NDR is grateful for the offers of supplies to help in the relief effort, please do not send clothing or other items to the Gulf Coast. NDR does not have the on-site resources necessary to process and store such items.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Pray-Please pray for those affected by Hurricane Katrina and for those helping in relief efforts.

Give:

Cash Donations-Cash donations are the most immediate need. The financial demands for maintaining a relief effort of this magnitude are high. Those interested in helping in this manner may give through NCM (www.ncm.org). All funds received will be utilized for the Hurricane Katrina response to assist not only Nazarenes, but entire communities.

Donations may be made online with a credit card at: http://www.ncm.org/NeedsList/need.aspx?id=10036.

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks payable to General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene with "ACM1801 Gulf Coast Hurricane Response ” in the memo line.

• On-line using VISA or MasterCard
• OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer
• and mail to:
  General Treasurer
  6401 The Paseo
  Kansas City, MO 64131
• In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
• and mail to:
  Church of the Nazarene Canada
  20 Regan Road, Unit 9
  Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.

(Photos by Associated Press)

Crisis Care Kits-Considering the hundreds of thousands of people left homeless and without basic supplies, there is an extraordinary need for more Crisis Care Kits (CCKs).

Dr. Walter Maestri, director of Emergency Operations Center in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, expressed sincere gratitude to the Church of the Nazarene for responding with the Crisis Care Kits. Having been a CCK recipient himself, Walter said, "These CCKs are fantastic. We need all you can send."

While it may seem logical to send CCKs directly to affected areas, please do not send CCKs to the Gulf Coast. NDR must be able to coordinate the timing, rate of distribution, and the location to be most effective in their response efforts. Due to the high numbers of CCKs being received, please send CCKs according to the following instructions:

From the western portion of the U.S.A., please send CCKs to:

Hands of Hope
Attn: Liz Murtland
1201 S. Powerline Road
Nampa, ID 83686

From the eastern portion of the U.S.A., please send CCKs to:

For shipping via the Postal Service:

For shipping other than the Postal Service: Nazarene Relief Shipments
Attn: Mr. John Borgal
5300 Fawn Grove Road
Pylesville, MD 21132

For more information on Crisis Care Kits, see the following NCM, Inc. Web page: http://www.ncmi.org/giving_opportunities/2005_CCK_instructions.pdf.

Other questions regarding CCKs should be directed to 1-800-214-4999.

Volunteer-For information on volunteering, call NDR at 1-800-306-9950.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 07, 2005