Hurricane Sandy Relief
Episcopal Diocese of Easton, Maryland
We all know about the wide spread damage Hurricane Sandy did to New York and New Jersey. But we tend to overlook small towns like Crisfield, Maryland where over 1,700 homes suffered damage. These homes flooded after wind from the storm blew water from the Chesapeake Bay into Crisfield. The storm surge at the city dock was over 5 feet and left about 2 feet of water in most homes. Over 200 houses have been either condemned or rendered uninhabitable. But some damage was not immediately obvious. As the seasons changed, mildew and mold issues surfaced and people who were living in their homes had to leave. It took FEMA two months to declare Somerset County a disaster area, so volunteer and faith based organizations had to step in.
Ongoing projects in the Diocese of Easton include:
Somerset County Long Term Recovery Committee (SCLTRC): Shortly after Hurricane Sandy flooded Somerset County, several volunteers formed the SCLTRC. This committee is made up of a coalition of local, county, and state government representatives, the Lutheran Partners in Disaster Response, the Mennonite Disaster Services, Episcopal Diocese of Easton/Episcopal Relief & Development, United Methodist Community of Relief, the United Way, Life Crisis Center, American Red Cross, local churches, and volunteers. The administrative staff handles the intake process for survivors. Since the storm, there have been 750 requests for assistance. Most of these needs have been met but there are still many families waiting for assistance. The Long Term Recovery Center currently has over 100 active cases, 66 cases that have been closed, and 60 awaiting action.
Episcopal Diocese of Easton: By partnering with Episcopal Relief & Development, the Episcopal Diocese of Easton has been able to provide assistance to 25 families (65 people). These projects range from replacing a washing machine; repairing HVAC systems; repairing/replacing a roof, plumbing, or wiring; and partnering with other organizations to build a family a new home. To date, the Diocese of Easton has helped 3 families return home and is in the process of repairing six more family homes.
Volunteering: In the Diocese of Easton, volunteers will be working in Crisfield doing construction work. Housing sites are set up in Crisfield to provide volunteers with sleeping, showering, eating, and lounging areas. Volunteers must be over the age of 16 to do construction work. Volunteer groups will be working with other faith-based organizations. They are asked to provide their own transportation and meals. Visit LPDR.org for information about volunteering in Crisfield.
The Future: It is estimated that in the immediate future there is a need for at least 29 more new homes, a number that is expected to increase. When a home is rendered unfit for human habitation, it is thoroughly evaluated to determine if it is repairable. In many instances, when reconstruction begins, it becomes clear that the house is beyond repair. While much progress has been made in Crisfield, there is a long way to go. The faith-based organizations that are working together have made a tremendous positive impact leading toward recovery.
Diocesan Recovery Coordinator: Joseph Pinto is the Diocesan Recovery Coordinator for the Diocese of Easton. Mr. Pinto has worked with the Somerset County Long Term Recovery Committee to provide assistance to help the survivors of Hurricane Sandy. Being a long-time resident of Crisfield, the town means a lot to him, and helping its people recover as soon as possible is his top priority.
For more information about how to volunteer, contact Elizabeth Heenan at .