A devastating series of storms hit parts of Berks County in July 2023 that left several hundred families in need of help.
In response, the Antietam Valley Long Term Recovery Group has been formed, chaired by the Rev. David Duquette, pastor of the Pennside Presbyterian Church, Reading. There is so much to do to help people recover.
The mission of the Antietam Valley Long Term Recovery Group (AVLTRG) is to provide county wide disaster recovery coordination In Berks County, PA to survivors that were affected by the flooding of July, 9, 2023. This will be done by sharing information, simplifying resident access to services, and jointly resolving cases with disaster-caused recovery needs.
Member Agencies Include:
- Pennside Presbyterian Church, Reading PA
- Lutheran Congregational Services/Liberty Lutheran
- PA Southeast Conference, United Church of Christ
- Antietam Valley Community Partnership
Utilizing volunteers and funding projects through donations and grants, the AVLTRG has established that every effort will be made to address immediate needs related to safety and security and especially related to heat, hot water and mold as quickly as possible in the most efficient manner possible given the resources and capacities of agencies involved.
While funding lasts, we provide:
- Construction cost assessments
- Construction Supervision
- Rebuilding and replacement of mechanical equipment
- Volunteer Coordination
- Materials purchase and storage
The AVLTRG is part of Berks COAD (County Organizations Active in Disaster), and therefore associated with PAVOAD (Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
The Antietam Valley Community Partnership provides services to the residents of Exeter and Lower Alsace townships. The LTRG is working with them and many other partners to support those impacted by this storm.
Volunteers and Volunteer Work Groups are needed for rebuild and recovery!!!
Here is a link to a news story about our work.
There are Construction Project Managers on site to guide and support as needed. Materials and tools are available. Come for a day or stay for a week! Housing/food is available, if needed. To volunteer or to get more information, contact:
Sharon Sgriccia at berksrecoveryvolunteers@gmail.com.
Financial Contributions can be sent to:
Antietam Valley Long Term-Recovery Group, c/o St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1979 Weavertown Road, Douglassville, PA 19518