Gulf Disaster Response

For the most up-to-date information about work along the Gulf Coast please visit our blog!

MCC is beginning the third year of its response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the New Orleans levee breaks. In its initial response, MCC supported the work of local Anabaptist churches, primarily in providing emergency relief.  Subsequent efforts have been made to develop partnerships with local community organizations led by people of color. As MCC continues our work in the Gulf Coast, we hope to increase the involvement of you, our constituency.

 

Why am I important to MCC's work along the Gulf Coast?

Several of our partners have urged us to mobilize a sustained Anabaptist commitment for Gulf Coast reconstruction. While MDS and its volunteers are working to rebuild homes for low-income families, there are compelling quality-of-life questions that must also be raised and addressed as families return home, if they are able to return at all. How will broken social systems be transformed to make the playing field more accessible and level for all? What kinds of communities will be rebuilt? Maybe most importantly, who will live in them?  

MCC constituents who do not live along the Gulf Coast, who have been richly blessed with influence and abundant resources, are invited to participate in a holistic and just reconstruction that offers dignity to all. Following the leadership of local people, and living as disciples of the resurrected Christ, we must remember God's promise, “For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth...” (Isaiah 65:17)

What can I do?
MCC urges you to advocate for the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act, a bill that will bring people home, address housing needs and spur community development. You can find background information from the MCC Washington office, as well as a simple format for writing a quick letter.

Here are also suggestions of additional ways to make a difference:

Learn more about Churches Supporting Churches (CSC). Encourage your congregation to partner with a New Orleans congregation struggling to re-establish itself and provide necessary services within its community. Partnering congregations are asked to make a commitment of prayer, relationship through mutual visits, and financial support. For more information contact Pastor Steven Brown of African-American Mennonite Association (AAMA) at 757.825.1133, ext. 206.

Sign up for the Action Alert List from the MCC Washington Office to get information when advocacy is needed.

A printable version of our recent bulletin insert about Gulf Disaster Response work is now available.

For more stories on GDR work see MCC News Stories