Part 2 in a series, UMCOR in Michigan, features the help and hope that Midland area residents have received thanks to the care of two caseworkers and $190,000 in grants from UMCOR.
KAY DEMOSS
Content Editor, Michigan Area
It’s been 14 months since a deluge of biblical proportions flowed through mid-Michigan. Seven inches of rain fell the night of June 22-23, 2017 in Midland, Isabella and Bay counties. Governor Snyder declared an emergency and government and faith-based response quickly began.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief acted in partnership with The Michigan Conference and Midland County. First came cleaning buckets dispatched from the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Illinois. Then a $100,000 UMCOR grant was made and two caseworkers, Anne Wortley and Katie Vokal, were hired. They began their work in October of last year in an office in downtown Midland.
Anne and Katie have been reaching out to residents in need ever since. Their work is done in collaboration with the Great Lakes Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group. Anne describes their role. “Our job is to assess and identify needs and then connect individuals and families to resources. Recovery is a partnership.” Michigan Conference Disaster Coordinators, Dan O’Malley and Bob Miller are also members of the Great Lakes Group.
Since their work began last fall, the caseworkers have contacted all 1,800 people on the potential case list supplied by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and local emergency management. Those conversations resulted in the opening of 87 cases and they continue to make home visits and to receive calls for additional aid. “We have closed 50 of the 87 cases,” Anne reports. “The other cases are still works in progress. Some may soon sign off.”
The pair notes that each of the cases has been unique. “Some are as simple as needing a voucher for an appliance,” Anne says. “Another case required $13,000 just to complete the mold remediation.”
Funding for the work itself came largely through the Midland Area Community Foundation. When those funds ran out last March Katie reports, “We were at a stand-still.” When an appeal was made, several individuals and a pastor raised additional money.
A second UMCOR grant of $90,000 helped address the needs of homeowners both inside and outside Midland County.
While the rains fell over a year ago, there are still homes with big problems, especially with mold. Current projects involve water-proofing and fixing of foundations that need professional work.
Not all the work requires contractors, however. Anne and Katie report a number of churches have provided awesome volunteer help, among them United Methodist congregations: Chesaning: Trinity UMC, Bath UMC, and Coleman: Faith UMC. Other Midland churches have been active in recovery: Trinity Lutheran Church and Chapel Lane Presbyterian. Others kept workers fueled by providing lunches on-site.
They could use more volunteers, especially outside of Midland County where available funds are more limited. Volunteer tasks include painting, trimming, flooring, and drywall. Volunteers can also help provide meals for those on the job.
The caseworkers have experienced God moments, like the week they received two phone calls. The first was from a woman in the Sanford area who had suffered three feet of water in her whole house. “Counter tops, cupboards, doors, everything needed to be replaced.” Two days later the Volunteer Coordinator called saying he had a group from Bath UMC that included a person specializing in counter tops and cupboards. “Do you have anyone who needs them?” Indeed we do!
Individuals and churches wanting to volunteer may call Kelly Buell: 989-859-3325 or [email protected].
“I am grateful that UMCOR recognized the need to help the people in the Great Lakes Bay Area,” says Anne Wortley. “It has been an honor to work with UMCOR to bring people hope.”
Katie Vokal adds, “Some in the area have forgotten that there are many still coping with life after the flood. UMCOR has gone above and beyond to put us here to really dig and find those who continue to struggle. I am proud to work for UMCOR. They are determined to help everybody.”
Last Updated on November 1, 2023