We have been blessed by the number of corporate and church groups that have been contacting us to help with flood relief efforts. Unfortunately we’ve had so many that it can be overwhelming, so here is some information that will help you in planning for your group:
1) This is a disaster area, not a “mission project.”
This may sound flippant, but it is amazing the number of folks that are asking about dates in the future and wondering what projects we can give them, and/or if we can provide food and lodging. While we have a general idea of the work we are doing, our work load and opportunities change from day to day. Disaster areas are chaotic and rarely very organized, so we can make no guarantees about dates, jobs, etc. As for accommodations, we barely have time to keep up with the needs of the community, so we currently have no provisions for making these arrangements for you. We are working on compiling a list of local churches that are willing to host groups, but you will be on your own in contacting these congregations and making arrangements.
2) Experience helps…
Certainly there will be need for youth in doing debris removal and some repair (in the future, after things dry out) however our greatest need currently is for persons with construction experience, and especially licensed contractors, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs. We are pretty much beyond the gutting, mucking, and cleaning phase, so it helps to be comfortable around tools and to have some skills that will help folks rebuild.
3) We really need good information from your group…
The only way we can know if your group can be helpful or not is be getting good information from you. As such we ask ALL groups to complete a group “application” form which allows us to best gauge who will be available, how we can meet our work needs, and how your group can help with all that. Please, please, please (!!!) complete the application form by clicking here.
Please understand that we appreciate your desire to help more than you know. Our goal is to provide a structure by which your group can have a great experience and be helpful to the cause of rebuilding Nashville.
