Affiliation: Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response available at LTRC, Southeast TX Interfaith Org. (SETIO)

Port Arthur Recovery Project
The Port Arthur Recovery Project is a joint effort between SETIO and Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response utilizing the volunteer services of many groups, in particular the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC). Port Arthur was chosen to serve as a demonstration project in a effort to focus relief efforts and resources into one of the concentrated areas of need with the intent of helping families recover at a more rapid rate.

During the month of September 2006, 21 members of CRWRC along with local volunteers conducted a door to door community needs assessment . During this period 800 assessments were completed and prioritized based on need in the areas of personal, household and construction. Those families with the highest priorities are assigned to a professional case manager to determine eligibility, homeownership and need. Families with construction needs are then referred to our construction team for needed repairs to be completed.

The majority of the labor is done by dedicated volunteers from the local area and from across the United States. Unfortunately all of the repairs can not be done by volunteer labor and professional contractors must be used. In these situations grant funds and donations are used to pay for these expenses. Federal funds are being utilized through a partnership with the City of Port Arthur to assist low-income families with repairs for roofing, electrical and plumbing, but unfortunately these funds will only be enough to assist a portion of the families in need.

This is why we need the assistance of YOU and YOUR CONGREGATION OR ORGANIZATION!! Here are a few of the ways in which assistance can be provided to this important project:

Adopt a home

Recruit and schedule a volunteer work crew

Donate money for construction materials and costs

Purchase gift cards from Lowes or Home Depot to purchase tools

Tell your friends and neighbors about SETIO and our work

Pray for our efforts and the families still in need

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