Beginning Feb. 14, a polar vortex descended over the United States. It is responsible for subfreezing temperatures and heavy snow across the country, impacting millions of people. The harsh conditions severely impacted Southern states, such as Texas, which lack the infrastructure to handle the freezing temperatures and record-setting snow and ice. This has led to power, food and water shortages throughout the region. At the peak of power shortages, 4.5 million homes and businesses in Texas were without electricity and heat. Around 13 million Texans are also facing water disruptions due to bursting pipes and damaged water systems. As temperatures rise, melting ice and snow is expected to cause even more water damage.
Lutheran Disaster Response is communicating with and standing ready to support the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, the Southwestern Texas Synod, the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, and Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response. Congregations are already conducting relief efforts such as supplying water, food and generators to those in need and opening their doors to serve as shelters. With such extensive damage, long-term recovery may include repairing water-damaged homes, disaster case management and supporting vulnerable populations.
Your gifts will support storm survivors. Gifts to "U.S. Severe Storms" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by severe storms.
By mail
Make checks payable to
Lutheran Disaster Response,
Write "U.S. Severe Storms" on your check's memo line and send to:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
ELCA Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
By phone
Call 800-638-3522 to make a donation with a credit card. Operators are ready to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central Time.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. The ELCA’s tax identification number is 41-1568278.