Even after they received assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, victims of the Murrah Building bombing may have unmet needs.
An interfaith organization that formed five days after the bombing hopes to fill that gap.Headstones for graves, money to cover insurance deductibles - these are among needs met thus far by Interfaith Disaster Recovery for Greater Oklahoma City, said interim director Carol Michelson.
The nonprofit organization was convened by the Oklahoma Conference of Churches. Leaders from Church World Service and Witness - the relief arm of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. - brought together 40 representatives from Baha'i, Christian, Islamic and Jewish communities for the interfaith effort. The Rev. Peter Van Hook of Salt Lake City was among them (see related story on B1).
Michelson said FEMA officials and the Red Cross assisted Church World Service in starting the interfaith effort. Interfaith volunteers work at the FEMA/Red Cross service center at Shepherd Mall here.
Michelson said the religious leadership joined in the effort because of the love and unity shown by Oklahomans in response to the bombing.
"It was just almost like one thought, one prayer, one need. We all met together and said let's join together," Michelson said.
Officers are Khalil Dana, Baha'i, president; the Rev. Mel Truiett, Episcopalian, vice president; Susan Lewis, Catholic, secretary; and Lura Cayton, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), treasurer.
Interfaith Disaster Recovery's board meets each Tuesday. A community-at-large meeting is planned for the second Thursday of each month at Catholic Charities.
Michelson said the organization's work is expected to continue at least two years to handle unmet needs that arise from the bombing.
Programs will include direct financial grants, family spiritual and mental health counseling, and support and advocacy for critically injured, unemployed and homeless people.
Besides meeting specific needs, Interfaith Disaster Recovery will also support general spiritual and mental health needs. For instance, the group is planning an interfaith memorial service in June.
Although Interfaith Disaster Recovery began using the Oklahoma Conference of Church's nonprofit tax exemption "so we could hit the ground running," Michelson said Interfaith board members expect to have their own tax-exempt status.
A search is under way for an executive director so that Michelson can devote her time to the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, where she continues as a staff member.
Michelson said Interfaith Disaster Recovery has received donations from faith groups locally and nationally. A pastor from Hawaii sent money to pay for head stones.
Specialists from other states helped the new organization set up its computer and organize its casework. The organization is hooked into the computer system authorized by Gov. Frank Keating.
For information about Interfaith Disaster Recovery for Greater Oklahoma City, call (405)524-0338 or write to 2200 Classen Blvd., Suite 1300, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.