As you know, the Church staff, our clergy and a team of volunteers began surveying the parish immediately following last week's devastating mud slides and flooding. We knew many of you would be directly affected, many would be able to provide assistance, and we needed a way to check on everyone as quickly and efficiently as possible. With few cell numbers available, we relied on the "e-blast" email system to get out a series of key questions.
We asked how each of you were doing, for updated contact information, if you were in a stable setting (eg., temporary housing, with friends, etc), what needs you had/have and what assistance could you offer.
From the direct responses, social media accounts and word of mouth, we created and published daily a list of those of you where were safe. We asked for the names of anyone you were worried about and we began tracking them down individually.
As is not surprising, All Saints families responded with an outpouring of care and love. Here are your responses by the numbers:
- More than 400 emails were received with responses to our questions
- We received word about the status of 187 families
- There were 42 offers of assistance; 14 families who offered a specific service or way to help and 28 families who said they could help meet housing needs
- There were 8 families facing a housing crisis
- We helped place 6 families who needed a place to stay
In addition to the email survey, our clergy who were "trapped" south of the HW 101 freeway closure banded together to personally check on everyone in Summerland, Carpinteria and Ventura. Everyone with a cell number received a call from either Rev. Vicki or from Fathers Paul or Jerry.
