Coburn United Methodist Church helps the Red Cross to shelter flood victims
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Coburn United Methodist Church has teamed up with the American Red Cross to house victims of the Perry County floods from last month.
The American Red Cross had to relocate flood victims from the temporary shelter at the Perry County Fairgrounds and the Zanesville-based church was willing to help. Coburn United Methodist Church took in 28 people in need of shelter on Aug. 30. According to Pastor Mark Raake, situations like this are an opportunity for the community.
“I think it’s an awesome opportunity for, for Zanesville to embrace folks who are in a difficult time,” Raaker said. “They’re all from Perry County but Perry County doesn’t have enough housing right now, or difficult housing to find for these folks. So many of them, and some of them have already found housing here in Zanesville, are finding housing in and around the Zanesville area. Just wanted to let folks know that, that those folks are coming this way and it’s an opportunity for this community to open their arms and embrace them and show them what Zanesville is all about as well. ”
Some of the people who came to the church have found new places to call home, but the need is still there for many. Tim Callahan is the executive director for the East Central Chapter of the American Red Cross and says community partners like the church play a major role in disaster relief.
“We couldn’t do it without them. They are an amazing partner and, not only the Red Cross, doing what we do but you know the partners within the community of Muskingum County, Perry County, helping the folks here,” Callahan said. “You know, like the pastor mentioned that a lot of folks are from Perry County and they opened their arms to, you know, bring them up here to help them. So the partners in Muskingum County, Perry County have been great.”
You can help support the disaster relief efforts by signing up to volunteer or by making a donation through the Red Cross’ website. Callahan says that since several blood drives were canceled as a result of the August floods, taking the time to donate blood would also help the American Red Cross.
