The New Mexico Conference is responding to several disasters in our Conference area.
Roswell: On October 19th, Roswell experienced an historic amount of rainfall which caused terrible flooding. The community is now attempting to dig out from the mud and debris. Many people are without homes to occupy. Our first response as a Conference is to work on flood buckets (relief kits) The instructions for creating relief kits may be found HERE. In the El Paso District, flood buckets may be dropped off at St. Mark's UMC-El Paso. In the ABQ District, flood buckets may be dropped off at the Conference Office. We are applying for a Solidarity Grant to help in the efforts there and working with other Conferences who have credentialed ERT's. We'll provide updates as new information becomes available. Please contact Roselie Johnston: rjohnston@nmconfum.com.
Ruidoso: We've requested donations for the Mescalero Apache Tribe since our understanding is the needs in the community of Ruidoso are being handled by various entities there. The donations have been given to the Emergency Operations Center with the tribe to use as they see fit. In further conversations, we have identified other needs as they enter into the colder months and their wood supply has been decimated. More information about that project will be shared shortly.
Las Vegas: The Las Vegas area continues to experience issues as a result of the fires and resulting flooding. The UMCOR Grant that we received is funding staff and supplies that have been helping people in that community. No further Conference intervention is needed.
The New Mexico Annual Conference endeavors to be responsive to Disaster relief needs of its local churches and communities, as well as those suffering from a national or international disaster event. When disasters occur, information will be dispersed in the most efficient and compassionate way that we can offer. Keep in mind that while there is heavy lifting involved in some jobs, there are positions for encouragers and emotional support people. If you feel a calling to help in any way you can, please contact us.
One of the first steps is to organize Early Response Teams (ERT), which requires training and certification of all ERT members. Please prayerfully consider if this might be an area in which you could serve.
Domestic and International Disasters:
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is our denominational avenue for best use of your donations to help people in need. Advance Specials are established whenever there is a call for help in dealing with disasters of all kinds. By donating through your church, conference treasurer or directly to UMCOR (www.umcor.org) and by marking the assigned number for that project on your check, you are helping others effectively! 100% of your donation goes to helping people in need.
Sager Brown Depot is a collecting point for Health Kits and other action when needed. Health kit info
South Central Jurisdiction VIM Response: Click Here