Carol legg and Rich Swartwood helping assess damage from floods in Indiana. Photo: David Legg

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response members David Legg, Carol Legg, and Vern Farnum are helping Ohio Valley Presbytery and Whitewater Presbytery in the presbyteries' response to severe flooding that affected many parts of Indiana. A state of emergency was declared for 44 counties in central and southern Indiana impacted by high winds, severe storms and flash flooding. 

As the flood waters in Indiana recede, NRT members have been helping the Presbyterian efforts to become more coordinated with the efforts of other churches and non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross and United Way. They have also worked with Richard Swartwood, director of the Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center in Brownstown, Indiana (PYOCA). PYOCA is supporting the local Red Cross efforts by supplying mattresses and limited food for the immediate needs. The camp is also serving as a collection point for clean-up buckets for residents of Jackson County, Indiana.

Both David and Carol have stressed that as Presbyterians we need to help take care of all in our communities and to be especially mindful of groups of people who may not know how to file with FEMA or get other kinds of aid. Some people affected by the flood may not trust the government and so may not want to file with FEMA. They may be undocumented workers who are afraid of dealing with the government.

NRT members have suggested how long-term efforts could get started. On Tuesday, June 16, they attended a meeting to initiate formation of a community-based Long Term Recovery Organization for the purpose of administering and coordinating financial contributions, local faith-based and other volunteers and incoming faith-based work teams through the term of the recovery effort.

Vern Farnum and the Leggs have attended several meetings that have been held to discuss issues impacting affected communities. Topics included specialties of different relief groups, reaching out beyond the church to help others in the community, effects flooding has on companies that employ many people and how widespread unemployment would affect the community.

NRT members have helped both presbyteries submit requests for One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds; these funds will be provided to assist in relief and recovery efforts.