Et cetera : Rapid Progress Made in South Dakota Flood Recovery

By: Ron Nagle, LSS Volunteer Coordinator and Dana Fytelson, NCCC member

Since September 27th, the Pierre and Ft. Pierre area has made major progress and is further along the road to recovery thanks to help from Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota (LSS-SD) who partnered with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

Lisa Adler, Regional Director of LSS-SD, requested the aid of NCCC via a grant proposal to the North Central Region NCCC campus, located in Vinton IA. Adler originally requested two teams but was given four, the first of which arrived September 27th. Ron Nagle, Volunteer Coordinator for LSS-SD coordinated all team clean up activities through the LSS-SD Oahe Flood Helpline housed a Lutheran Memorial Church.

The first NCCC team, Oak 4 who is led by Melissa Andreas, pioneered the mucking and gutting process for the NCCC teams. The team trained and was in the field within 24 hours, completing the first house, the basement of which was encased in mold up to the ceiling and the first floor needed cleaning and carpet removal, in three and a half days. The team completed 2 homes before the end of their first week.

Oak 4 was joined by Oak 1 on October 4th. The two teams have been combined into one, led by Andreas, and have thus far moved over 46,200 pounds of debris, worked on and completed 14 damaged houses as well as clearing and cleaning one park in Ft. Pierre. Combined, these projects have benefited 35 homeowners and family members and around 10,000 people who use the park every year.

Oak 6, led by Dani Sill, joined the other two teams on October 12th. While in the Pierre and Ft. Pierre area, they completed two homes from which they removed 11,000 pounds of debris. They collaborated with and helped train the 4th team, Cedar 4 who is led by Kim Weiland, and removed over 22,000 pounds of debris from the City Auditorium in Pierre. Oak 6 was redeployed on October 21 to the Sioux City, IA, area and are currently working in Yankton. Cedar 4 is still in the training process and being aided by Oak 4. Thus far, they have worked on the City Auditorium as well as one home in Ft. Pierre.

As of October 25, all of the AmeriCorps members have worked a total of 2,987 hours while in Pierre/Ft. Pierre as well as just outside of Sioux City, IA.

Lutheran Social Services also helped in removing sandbags from residences and public spaces throughout Pierre and Ft. Pierre. The sandbag removal process was completed at 153 homes with the help 150 Air Force Academy cadets from Colorado Springs, CO on September 30th and October 1st.

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, known nationwide as the “Green Shirts”, also joined forces with the Oahe Long Term Disaster Recovery Team and LSS-SD by conducting needs assessments, starting October 18th. While in the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area, they contacted 727 South Dakota residents, 340 by phone. 280 voicemails were left and of the people they reached, 63 people said there was no need for aide. They were able to conduct 40 surveys, deeming 4 houses destroyed.

The NCCC teams in Pierre also conducted follow-up phone calls to flood affected areas as directed by Nagle. In total, they contacted 902 homes and forward the information received to the Case Management.

A recognition and appreciation luncheon for all AmeriCorps members currently serving with LSS-SD was held Wednesday, November 2nd at the Pierre Chamber of Commerce. Speakers included Mayor Sam Tidball of Fort Pierre; Mayor Laurie R. Gill of Pierre; Director Deb Schieflebein Corporation for National Community Service; Lisa Adler, Regional Director LSS-SD; Pastor Don Block from Lutheran Memorial Church and President of the Oahe Long Term Disaster Recover Team; Dan Milnes, Regional Director for the North Central Region of AmeriCorps NCCC, and Ron Nagle, the LSS-SD Volunteer Coordinator Oahe Flood Helpline.

The NCCC teams were housed at Oahe Presbyterian Church, thanks to the help of Pastors Rolly Kemnick and Dan Pfirmmer. The Church provided breakfast and lunch for the teams as well as purchased several thousand dollars worth bunk beds. The Church held a potluck in honor of the NCCC teams on October 16th. The teams mingled with the congregation and were able to get a better sense of the community through this interaction.

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota is a statewide human services agency with a wide variety of programs in 30 communities. Their mission statement is, “Inspired by God’s love, we care for, support and strengthen individuals, families and communities.” LSS-SD serves people of all ages, races, faiths, and income levels.

Oahe Long Term Disaster Recovery Team, led by Pastor Block, is dedicated to serving the residents in the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area by providing a number of services, including Resource Development, Case Management, Public Relations, Spiritual and Emotional care, Volunteer Management. If you or anyone you know have unmet needs, including damage to homes or emotional problems due to the flood, or would like to make a donation, volunteer your time, or contribute supplies, please call the Oahe Flood Helpline at 605-224-1189.

AmeriCorps NCCC, administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, provides opportunities to members, who work to improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety, help with disaster relief, and assist in other unmet human needs. NCCC members must be 18-24 and complete at least 1,700 hours of service during the 10-month program. For information about applying to AmeriCorps NCCC, call 1-800-942-2677, or visit the Web site at www.americorps.gov/nccc.