Barkley Manor Recovery Update
Edited & Updated @ 4:18 PM
Updated Disaster Relief Information
- Immediate Needs - The Red Cross is working to meet immediate needs for shelter, food and clothing. Rooms are being provided in area motels as needed. Vouchers are being provided to the families for area businesses.
- Donations of Goods- It is my understanding, after talking to Laura at 4:00 PM today, that the immediate needs of food and clothing have been met. Therefore, we no longer need donations of clothing at the Line Street Building. Any clothing left there will simply be forwarded to other organizations. We will, of course, accept donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank. These can be used to help all eight families over the coming weeks.
- Donations of Funds - Here's where things are a bit "fuzzy" for me.
- Funds have been established at all area banks for giving toward this cause, but no one could offer a satisfactory explanation of who would receive those funds and how they will be distributed. If you decide to give in this manner, it is your choice. But I encourage you to give in other ways ... I'll explain in a moment.
- Funds will also be needed for long-term help and housing. We are working with Laura Shelton and the Family Resource Centers to try to assist in this area. If you want to contribute to the long-term recovery of these families, you can direct gifts to the Lighthouse Family Resource Center at the Primary/Intermediate Schools. They have an account for such purposes, and any funds that they receive will be utilized to help these eight families. We will also be happy to accept gifts at Crossroads Fellowship through our Disaster Relief Ministry Fund. All gifts given to Crossroads Fellowship toward the Barkley Manor Fire Recovery will be used in ministry to these eight families.
- Funds have been established at all area banks for giving toward this cause, but no one could offer a satisfactory explanation of who would receive those funds and how they will be distributed. If you decide to give in this manner, it is your choice. But I encourage you to give in other ways ... I'll explain in a moment.
- "Adopt-a-Family Initiative" - Laura Shelton and I agree that perhaps the best way to address long-term recovery for these families would be to encourage the churches of the community to "Adopt a Family." We at Crossroads have already identified one of the families for adoption. We are committing to direct ministry to this family for at least the next 30 days. Laura and the other social workers in the schools are coordinating volunteer churches for the other seven families. Hopefully, our sister churches will be able to move quickly through their structures and business procedures to render aid while it is needed. On a personal Crossroads note, I will be communicating with this family over the next couple of days to discern their needs. As I know those needs, I will pass them on to all of you.
Well, I guess that's it for now! Pray for those who have suffered loss. If you have any other ideas to help minister to the victims of the fire, just send me a note.
God Bless,
Pastor Geoff
