swestin@mtnisp.com
(828) 966-9267

Dear Friends,

This past week we have all witnessed the profound and heartbreaking human tragedy unfolding in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama in the wake of hurricane Katrina. It is certainly a wake-up call to us about both the precariousness and the interrelatedness of all life. We share aching sadness, disbelief and outrage which call us to action. As members of religious communitas we understand the power of prayer which is imperative and unconditional. We also have been seeking some concrete actions that we can take too to support the thousands of victims who have lost everything.

It appears that a pathway has opened up. As members of The Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of United Religions Initiative, we are reaching to the churches, synagogues, Buddhist centers and mosques in our region to join together to gather clothing and specific supplies which will be taken to Houston, Texas ASAP to help victims arriving by the thousands daily with nothing. We are linked with a network of churches and other faith-based communities in Houston who will receive with open arms whatever we can get to them — and place them into the hands of those in need. This is a precious opportunity to align together as people of faith to create healing and hope. Extending our hearts and hands across this distance is itself an answer to our prayers to be of service.

These human connections, expressions of love, the outreach of the heart without a pause hopefully will source healing for people devastated by this disaster. It is a gift to us too — an invitation to open conversations with each other here in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Hopefully we can explore other ways to share prayer and action in the future in support of healing the Earth and all living beings.

We are asking your help in the Mid Hudson Valley URI Katerina Relief Effort. Because of your resourcefulness and connections with the Interfaith communities in this region we ask for your help at this desperate time of need .

Where we are: We have faith based groups on the ground in Houston coordinating relief efforts for 100,000 refugees. They are ready to distribute food, clothing, toys, blankets, school supplies, etc., by the planeload as fast as we can get it there.

The local contact is a dear friend on the URI Council PK McCarthy perrimac@sbcglobal.net working with Lamb of God Lutheran Church,
7800 W. Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77071 and numerous other churches, synagogues and mosques. They are up and running and registered with FEMA.

The need: Mobilize faith based communities to organize supply drives, get those packed and delivered in an appropriate way. Get companies to donate goods and services including packing supplies and storage space. We are currently negotiating with Stewart Air Force Base so that the Air National Guard can transport the donations to Houston.

The Challenge: Lots of folks will be ready to give. How do we coordinate it, promote it, store the supplies and get them transported?

Communications: please send your email bebird@aol.com marked info MHV URI forward.We will set up a list serve soon. Also please send me your phone numbers and best time to communicate by phone.

All efforts are needed now. You have wonderful, creative minds. We literally need to move mountains. Thank you,

With deep appreciation,
Betsy Stang
Ilfra Halley
James Davis
Mid Hudson Valley URI