What is Lower Susquehanna Lutheran Disaster Response Network (LSLDRN) doing now?

In September 2005, in response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, LDR Director Heather Feltman requested Tim Brown, coordinator of Lower Susquehanna Lutheran Disaster Response Network (LSLDRN), to deploy to Biloxi, Mississippi, to establish a “tent city.” This tent city, now known as Volunteer Housing at Camp Biloxi, is located at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (LC-MS). The purpose of Camp Biloxi is to house volunteers to support the long-term work of Good Shepherd and Bethel Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Biloxi. These churches, in partnership with Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi (LESM), work with survivors of Hurricane Katrina providing physical aid, case management, health clinic services, and rebuilding efforts.

What is Camp Biloxi like?

Today, Volunteer Housing at Camp Biloxi is nearly complete. Volunteers moved in during late December. Camp Biloxi consists of two huge dormitory tents filled with sturdy, comfortable bunk beds; a large, modern, kitchen trailer and dining tent; and a shower trailer (with hot water!) Soon, a trailer fitted with restroom facilities and laundry facilities will replace the portable toilets. A second heater will be installed to permit the use of both dormitory tents, instead of the current practice of dividing the one heated tent into single-sex areas.

Are volunteers still needed in the Gulf Coast?

The need for volunteers in Biloxi, Mississippi will continue for the foreseeable future. Volunteers may make contact directly through Bethel Lutheran Church in Biloxi at campbiloxi@cableone.net. Call (228) 267-0008 or (228) 267-0009. You may also register via the Web site for Lutheran Disaster Response (http://www.ldr.org/Volunteers.html). Complete the LDR volunteer application form (http://www.ldr.org/VolunteerApplication.asp), and you will be contacted by the coordinator of volunteers.

Is there orientation available for those thinking about volunteering?

Orientation is provided by Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania for people going now to the Gulf Coast area and for people who may go in the future. Training does not mean a commitment to deploy. Please call Danna Drescher at Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania to inquire about future orientation dates: (717) 854-3971, ext. 411. E-mail Danna at ddrescher@lutheranscp.org.

What special skills do volunteers need?

There is a critical need for skilled persons — plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc. — to work on volunteer housing in Biloxi; however, volunteers with all skill levels are needed. To volunteer, register directly through Lutheran Disaster Response. Complete the LDR volunteer application form (http://www.ldr.org/VolunteerApplication.asp), and you will be contacted by the coordinator of volunteers.

To speak to Pastor Bill Snyder, who just returned from Biloxi, at Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania, call (717) 854-3971 or e-mail bsnyder@lutheranscp.org.

Who/What is LSLDRN anyway?

The Lower Susquehanna Lutheran Disaster Response Network (LSLDRN), organized in 2001, is an extension and partner in the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, a combined ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Currently, LSLDRN partners include the Lower Susquehanna Synod; the three Social Ministry Organizations serving the Lower Susquehanna Valley (Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania, LUTHERCARE, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries); Lutheran Camping Corporation of South Central Pennsylvania; Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg; and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Why haven't I heard about this before now?

Disaster response efforts take time and coordination. Opportunities for volunteers will continue for months/years to come. The establishment of Camp Biloxi is the first of many coordinated volunteer efforts. To stay up-to-date on disaster response efforts, visit the LSLDRN Web site frequently.