Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been working closely with the Central Florida Presbytery Executive, Paige McRight, and with the ecumenical disaster response community in responding to the February 2, 2007 tornado that ripped through the central Florida. A member of the PDA National Response Team has been sent to the presbytery to help with assessment and to serve as a resource to the presbytery and One Great Hour of Sharing funds are available.

A Presbyterian Volunteer Village, similar to ones in the Gulf Coast, is being constructed with an anticipated opening date of mid-March*.

*Updated Information: The opening date for the Presbyterian Volunteer Village on the property of Duvall Presbyterian Home is scheduled for May 20, 2007.

The Presbyterian Volunteer Village will serve survivors from the February tornado as well as survivors from the tornadoes that struck the nearby areas of DeLand and Debary on Christmas Day, 2006. Teams can register for the Florida Presbyterian Volunteer Village by calling the Presbyterian Call Center 866-732-6121.

Please continue to lift up in prayer the communities and people that have been impacted by this disaster. Your prayers will uphold those affected by these storms and support those who are developing response programs.