September 15, 2000
Dear Tary,
It was good to speak with you by telephone on Wednesday. When Hurricane Bret his Falfurrias and Premont in August of 1999, God drew together a group of representatives from different faiths from both communities. We were blessed with the resources to assist many who had received damage but who were not eligible to receive FEMA assistance for that damage. A report of our accomplishments through July of 2000 is attached.
The Hurricane Bret Project has ended. However, the same interfaith group has reorganized as Hands of Hope Interfaith Project. Our Mission Statement is as follows:
In response to God’s love and grace, the HANDS OF HOPE INTERFAITH PROJECT seeks to serve God by addressing needs arising out of the conditions of poverty and disaster of our brothers and sisters in Brooks County and lower Jim Wells County.
We are excited to hear that you are planning a mission trip to Falfurrias. Our caseworker, Susana Martinez is busy gathering the specific jobs and materials and cost listing which you have requested. It will be ready next week.
You also requested budget information for the administrative side of our expenses. Our administrative budget items are listed on the budget below. The majority of the cost is related to wages for our CaseWorker. The job duties of our CaseWorker are varied. The case worker receives applications; gathers needed information; verifies applications (which includes, but is not limited to, home visits of every applicant, before, during and after a repair); contacts contractors for estimates; makes priority recommendations to the Interfaith Committee; orders materials; coordinates needs of volunteers, contractors, and/or mission groups; arranges for housing, food and showers as needed; and maintains important relationships with the community.
As you requested, we have included an amount in the one-month budget estimate for a computer. The computer, which was made available to the original project, was quite old. Mrs. Martinez routinely used her home computer for nearly everything we needed. We strongly desire to give her equipment that is adequate to her real needs in this position.
We praise God for the privilege of serving these communities. We thank you for your love and concern for us, and for your willingness to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in this important ministry.
Blessings,
Rev. Melanie Welsh—Hands of Hope Interfaith Project Director
HANDS OF HOPE INTERFAITH PROJECT
Falfurrias, Texas
Administration Budget Estimate—One Month
As of 9/15/2000
Mileage $ 77.50
Wages ($8/hour) $ 1,386.67
(Case worker)
FICA $ 85.97
Medicare $ 20.11
Worker’s Comp $ 13.68
Wages (bookkeeper) $ 30.00
FICA, Medicare, Work Comp $ .65
Electricity $ 140.00
Utilities $ 10.00
Long Distance $ 45.00
Office Supplies $ 20.00
Copies $ 15.00
Equipment Repairs $ 20.83
Computer Purchase $ 1,300.00
Miscellaneous $ 25.00
Needed per month w/computer $ 3,190.41
Needed per month w/o computer $ 1,890.41
A contribution of $5,000.00 would cover two months of administrative costs plus a computer. On behalf of our project, I request a contribution of from $3,190.41 to $5,000.00, for administration.
I will have Susana Martinez forward the report of accomplishments of our Hurricane Bret project, as well as a report of monies received and how they were sent.
Many thanks.
Rev. Melanie Welsh
Project Director