NIC Disaster Response

08/29/2025

Today the ERT team has a great day serving those impacted by torrential rain on Aug. 9 &10. This morning we returned to a woman's home that had flooding in the crawl space. The fans we setup yesterday helped remove a majority of the water. We removed and bagged all the insulation and debris that got wet in the crawl space. We also installed new v***r barrier and screens on the crawl space vents to help with ventilation. The homeowner jumped right in and helped us with all the work.
Our next job was a small task but important for the homeowner. A large bean bag chair had blown against their backyard basement door. The bean bag chair absorbed the flood water and was too heavy for the homeowner to move. We were able to remove the bean bag chair allowing access to all the water damaged stuff in the basement. We removed the heavy furniture and boxes.
After a short nap, we spent the late afternoon and evening at our third homeowner. Last night we visited this home to see what work would be needed. The homeowner mentioned that the 12" of water in her basement not only damaged furniture and belongings but also destroyed the hot water heater and wash machine. After we left this home we went to the local Home Depot and got a great deal on a new wash machine. It was the exact same model that she had. We removed the old washer and surprised the homeowner with her new washer. The ERT crew and homeowner when to the United Methodist church in Waukesha for a delicious home cooked meal. After homemade peach pie we returned to the home to complete the basement cleanup. I forgot to get any pictures of the cleanup but we have a picture of the new wash machine being installed.
Again we are reminded of the great power of faith and prayer. Our ERT team operates on the energy of your prayers and the generous donations of many. Continue to pray for all those impacted by the flooding and pray for those providing the help and hope at is greatly needed in this disaster.
Tomorrow the ERT crew is scheduled to assess damage at a Milwaukee city church and then we will head home. Our ERT crew thanks the Wisconsin Conference for being wonderful hosts.

08/28/2025

The Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church sent an Early Response Team (ERT) to the Milwaukee area to help with cleanup from 1,000 year flooding that occurred August 9 &10th.
Our small team arrived at our "home base" in Waukesha, WI on Tuesday August 26th. We spent part of the day meeting with the disaster coordinators of the Wisconsin Conference. We added another member to our team, a wonderful gentleman from Superior, WI. The remainder of the day was taken up with contacting flood victims to see how we could assist them in their cleanup efforts.
Today we able to help several homeowners with cleanup efforts. We helped with several small projects and a bigger one that involved removal of walls and ceilings in the basement along with mold remediation spraying of the basement and crawlspace.
We also visited several homes that we will work on tomorrow. One including setting up ventilation fans to remove moisture in the crawlspace so we can get in and clean up the crawlspace tomorrow.
Community Methodist Church of Elm Grove proved a delicious lasagna dinner with all the fixings.
Tomorrow will be a busy day for the crew. We are so thankful for the prayers and donations that make these missions possible.

08/17/2025

03/29/2025

Together, we reach children, families and communities who have experienced devastation in the wake of disaster.

03/20/2025

We have awarded solidarity grants to the Northern Illinois Conference - UMC and Oklahoma United Methodist Communications annual conferences to assist their response efforts to the devastating "monster" storm system last weekend. In Northern Illinois, at least four tornadoes and heavy winds impacted the region, while in Oklahoma, heavy winds have fueled wildfires across the state.

We encourage you to continue to pray for all those impacted by this severe weather event. To support our response to these and other disaster in the U.S., donate here: https://bit.ly/umcorusdr

01/08/2025

The General Board of Global Ministries is the worldwide mission, relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church, working with partners and churches in more than 115 countries to equip and transform people and places for God’s mission.

11/19/2024

Day 6 ERT report - today was our last work day. It was a special day for myself. We helped clean up tree debris from the home of a friend, Ted Warnock. Ted and his wife, Carla, live in an area of Valdosta that sustained severe damage. Ted worked for UMCOR and has spent his life serving others. Since hurricane Helene hit the area Ted has been busy helping others and coordinating disaster relief efforts.
Today we spend part of the day helping Ted clean up the downed trees in his back yard. After lunch we spent several hours cleaning up tree debris around our host Camp Tygart.
Tomorrow morning we start our drive home. Thank you to everyone for supporting and praying for our mission. God bless and please continue to pray for those that still are in need of hurricane relief.

11/18/2024

NIC ERT day 5 report.
After talking with the City of Adel building code supervisor and the electrical system director, we got the go ahead to install a temporary electrical service pole for a family in dire need. Their home took a direct hit from a tree. The tree destroyed one end of the home, including the electrical service entrance.
We purchased all the required materials from the funds that have been generously donated. The total bill was about $1,200. We spent the afternoon installing the pole and then installing the conduits and electrical equipment. We left the home at 5pm with everything ready for the city to hook this home backup to electrical power tomorrow. What a great way to see how generous donations can bring hope and joy to others. Thanks so much to all that have donationed !!!

11/17/2024

Day 3 of ERT work in southern Georgia. The morning was busy removing down trees that blocked a long dirt road back to a residence. Later in the afternoon we were asked by a nice lady to looked at her damaged home. A large tree had fallen on part of her house. The good news was the tree was removed but the bad news is that the area that was heavily damage was where the electrical service entered the home. The damage is severe and we can not make the necessary repairs. We are trying to figure out a way to get electrical service back to the home. Monday morning will be a visit to the city building dept. to see if a temporary power solution will meet city code.

11/16/2024

Day 2 of ERT work in Southern Georgia. A majority of damaged roofs have been tapped and other structural damage has been dealt with. That leaves a LOT of tree damage. The crew worked as lumberjacks again today. Lot of trees cut down and cleaned up. We are being housed at a UMC camp called Camp Tygart. We are enjoying the camp and good good. Please continue to prayer for those still needing hurricane relief help.

11/14/2024

The NIC early response team is in southern Georgia assisting with cleanup efforts from hurricane Helene. A majority of the remaining relief work involves cutting and moving down or damaged trees. We worked at Bemiss UMC and a local residence cleaning up tree debris. It is always a great feeling when we complete a job and the homeowner sheds a few tears of joy. God is good !!!

11/02/2024

Seeking volunteers
The Northern Illinois Conference is seeking volunteers to be part of an Early Response Team that will travel to Southern Georgia to help with Hurricane Helene cleanup. Travel dates are Nov. 12th.through Nov. 21st. If you would like more information please private message our Disaster Response Coordinator, Colin Monk. Thanks