Groups urge coordination of Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
Photo by Timothy Ramsey Rev. Dr. Lamonte Williams, president of the Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity, speaks at City Hall this afternoon, Sept. 15, to discuss coordination of efforts for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts for the Houston area.
The relief efforts for those victims of Hurricane Harvey have been plentiful.
A press conference was held at Winston-Salem City Hall this afternoon, Sept. 15, to discuss coordination of efforts for the Houston area. The Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity (MCWSV), Mayor Allen Joines and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are doing their part to contribute.
Rev. Dr. Lamonte Williams, president of the MCWSV, laid out his plan to have a bus with the capacity to carry 100 volunteers to the affected areas from Sept. 24 through Sept. 28. The will also have another vehicle filled with supplies such as food, water and clothing to bring with them.
He spoke about how he received phone calls from pastors in the Houston area who spoke about the rebuilding efforts, particularly schools and churches.
“Many of these pastors didn’t have flood insurance, so the need for volunteers is paramount,” Williams said. “This is why the minsters’ conference along with our other partners are here today gathering so that we could offer a clarion call to our community citizens to join together and have a united effort to bring relief.”
Angela Brown of Wake Forest Baptist Health spoke about the commitment the hospital has to those in need no matter where they are located. Brown says the offer has been extended to all hospital employees to volunteer for the trip.
“On a daily basis we are constantly finding ways to seek resources out in the communities where we have those in need,” said Brown. “We are always looking for ways to get out into the community so the people can see us.”
Along with the volunteers they are also gathering supplies to take to the victims. John Pollock of Offering to a Hungry Nation (OTAHN) has been reaching out to everyone he knows and beyond to collect supplies. He is urging people to drop off supplies at Prime Tyme Café, at 2730 University Parkway.
According to Williams, the fact he is able to help in any way is a blessing. He knows they cannot fix everyone’s problems, but says every little bit helps. For anyone looking to donate or volunteer for the trip, please visit the minister’s conference website at www.ministersconferencewsv.org.
