Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding site in coastal North Carolina receives EDF funding

On Feb. 4, Brethren Disaster Ministries celebrated the completion of two homes at the Coastal North Carolina rebuilding project with a Facebook post: “Alberta, it sure was a pleasure serving you! What a joy you are! And Mr. Jessie, you were so appreciative of our work. It was our privilege to serve you as well. We are grateful for everyone who in any way contributed to the rebuilding of these two homes. Alberta and Jessie–we give thanks to God for His provision and care and pray that you may enjoy safety, peace, and joy for many years!” The program has a long tradition of gifting quilts on completion of volunteer work on a home.

An allocation of $37,850 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) supports the coastal North Carolina rebuilding site of Brethren Disaster Ministries. The project in Pamlico County, N.C., is rebuilding and repairing homes affected by Hurricane Florence, which hit the area in September 2018. Partner agency Pamlico County Disaster Relief Coalition reports that around 200 families have not completely recovered, almost two and a half years later.

Brethren Disaster Ministries has been working in North Carolina since April 2018, when it began doing Hurricane Matthew recovery in Lumberton, Robeson County. Later, the project added homes also affected by Hurricane Florence. That location closed early, in March 2020, because of the pandemic. Project supplies and equipment were moved to the site in Pamlico County, where Brethren Disaster Ministries began providing volunteers in September 2020.

The North Carolina site is scheduled to continue through April, when Brethren Disaster Ministries will reopen a tornado rebuilding site in Dayton, Ohio. Staff are monitoring guidance from the CDC and local officials, with COVID-19 protocols in place to limit volunteers’ exposure. Pamlico County has experienced very low numbers of cases and project leaders and volunteers have very little contact with the public while onsite.

The EDF allocation will be used for expenses related to tools, equipment, volunteer housing, volunteer meals, and leadership.

To contribute financially to this project, give online at www.brethren.org/edf. Find out more about Brethren Disaster Ministries at www.brethren.org/bdm.

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