EDNY Volunteers assist in disaster aftermath

By the REV. JOHN DENARO

When Hurricane Katrina took the Gulf Coast and the nation by storm, a flood of offers to extend hospitality to evacuees came to Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM). Literally hundreds of invitations to assist the displaced poured in from dioceses, camps and conference centers, parishes and individuals. To manage this crisis of success, EMM tapped into the deep well of people resources in the Episcopal Diocese of New York and sent an appeal for volunteers through the diocesan clergy listserv.

The response was immediate. Volunteers started reporting for duty at the Episcopal Church Center within days of the disaster. They hailed from Holy Apostles, Manhattan, Grace, Hastings-on-Hudson, and All Saints, Briarcliff Manor. St. John’s, Larchmont has produced seven volunteers and deserves an honorable mention. Two retired clergy, the Rev. Richard Kemmler and the Rev. Dr. Richard Corny have put in countless hours. One volunteer, from St. Paul’s, Ossining, actually telecommuted! And members of another half dozen parishes are patiently awaiting their assignments.

If EMM can support congregations and church and community institutions throughout the country to welcome evacuees for temporary and permanent resettlement, it is only because of the tireless efforts of these local volunteers. Collectively they have managed to get a new relocation program for internally displaced Americans up and running. On behalf of the evacuees and their sponsors who will be served through this ministry, EMM extends its heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable individuals and the diocesan parishes that have empowered them for service.

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