Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Disaster Services have been monitoring the disaster response in Minnesota resulting from flooding this summer in areas across the state. This is an unusual and difficult disaster because of the many areas within the state that are impacted and it has put a strain on both national and local response teams for the early stage recovery process.

A recent FEMA declaration for Individual Assistance will bring rebuilding resources to Minnesota. At this time, the LSS Disaster Team is working with partners to prepare for long-term recovery work. Congregations of the synod might appreciate insight into the more emergent needs that exist for muck out and sanitation that needs to be done prior to rebuilding efforts.

MNVOAD partners are a central resource for organizing volunteers to lend a hand for muck out and sanitation work in the impacted counties. They have prepared a list of contacts for areas that still need volunteer help across the state.

ALL volunteers must contact the Emergency Manager in the county before going to the area.

The areas of immediate need are as follows:

NORTH-EAST REGION:

St Louis County
Emergency Manager: Josh Brinkman, brinkmanj@stlouiscountymn.gov 
•           Muck out and sanitation of homes in Virginia , Cook, Hibbing and other locations

SOUTH-EAST REGION:

Faribault County
Emergency Manager: Sue Jahnke, suej@frcsd.org
•           Muck out, sanitation and mold remediation in Bricelyn, Keister, and other locations
•           Debris removal

Freeborn County
Emergency Manager: Rich.Hall@co.freeborn.mn.us
•           Muck out and sanitation in Albert Lea and a tree removal

Le Sueur County
Emergency Manager: Tammy Stewig, tstewig@co.le-sueur.mn.us
•           Muck out and sanitation of many homes in Waterville and other locations
•           Waterville – Transitional Housing overnight desk staff (high priority), must have background check cleared

SOUTH-WEST REGION:

Cottonwood County
Emergency Manager: Paul.Johnson@co.cottonwood.mn.us
•           Muck out and sanitation in Windom, Mountain Lake, and other locations
•           Debris and sandbag removal

Martin County
Emergency Manager: ben.johnson@co.martin.mn.us
•           Muck out and sanitation in Ceylon, Fairmont, Truman, and other locations

Nobles County
Emergency Manager: Tawn Hall, thall@co.nobles.mn.us
•           Muck out homes in Worthington; Spanish language skills helpful

Additional resource and help can be found at 211 for all areas of the state and volunteer information can be found at MNVOAD website at https://www.mnvoad.org/