Why Disaster Response?

Why do we do disaster response?

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VIM Trip - Asheville, NC

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VIM Trip to Asheville, NC Psalm 46 1-2 reads, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Here we are eight months after Hurricane Helene and there is so much devastation still left from the hurricane, but the Lord is near the brokenhearted and saving the spirits through this devastation. A group from Mt. Calvary UMC (Harrisburg, PA - River Valley District) and Faith UMC (Bellefonte - Mountain Valley District) are just returning from a Volunteer in Missions trip to Asheville, NC. As they worked to help the survivors rebuild they saw many things that showed them that this area is still in need of help. As you drive through, there are vehicles that were once functioning that are now junk cars. Many of the businesses that were once thriving are now no more. One homeowner had many raised garden beds, a B&B cabin, a hot tub, green grass, and it is all now wiped away from the storm. This particular family had to climb up the mountain to escape the ragin...
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Knoxville Yoked Church Receives Grant from UM Foundation

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L to R:  Ed Stuart, Rev. L. Fitzgerald Reist II, Sharon Heck, Gene Heck Impact of Tropical Storm Debby on Local Communities The destruction caused by Tropical Storm Debby in Tioga, Potter, Lycoming, and Union Counties was significant, leading FEMA to issue disaster declarations for these areas. Numerous residents and businesses faced damage and are currently striving to restore their properties.  One church in Knoxville, PA, suffered particularly devastating losses, as an entire wall was washed away due to the flooding. In addition to the wall, they also lost their ADA ramp. Despite these challenges, the community rallied together.  The Cowanesque Church extended an invitation for the Knoxville Yoked Church to join them for Sunday services while repairs were underway.  During this period, the UM Foundation provided a grant of $5,000 to support survivors affected by Tropical Storm Debby, which was awarded to the Knoxville Yoked Church by the Disaster Response Minis...
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IRS Tax Relief after Major Disasters

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IRS offers tax relief after major disasters Disaster relief can be authorized by the IRS when certain criteria from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are met. Generally, the IRS will authorize disaster tax relief to all areas identified on a major disaster declaration if FEMA identifies at least one area qualifying for their Individual Assistance program. Those who have been affected by a disaster can visit Tax relief in disaster situations on IRS.gov for information on what tax relief applies to them and other resources that will help them recover. Tax relief The following types of tax relief are a few of the ways the IRS helps after a major disaster. The IRS gives taxpayers more time to file and pay: Taxpayers whose address of record is in an area qualifying for IRS disaster tax relief will automatically receive extra time from the IRS to file returns and pay taxes. The IRS's disaster assistance page provides updates and links to resources. Information is also availabl...
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