Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men share 2022 achievements in a “Year in Review” update
The Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men (CHUMM) recently detailed the organization’s achievements during its 44th year of operation in a “Year in Review” update sent to members, friends, and supporters.
Per the announcement, highlights from the past 12 months include the following:
Emergency Financial and Food Assistance: CHUMM helped many families with food, rent, utilities, medical emergencies, and other needs in 2022. The Dare Department of Social Services (DSS) and other organizations are CHUMM’s partners in these efforts, and DSS referred several families who struggled with homelessness, lack of heating or cooling, and other similar emergency needs, who the Methodist men assisted over the course of the past year.
Dedicated Volunteers: CHUMM also logged thousands of volunteer hours helping others in 2022. “A great example of our dedicated volunteers are Ray and Claire Schaaf who are in their 23rd year of operating our Emergency Food Pantry,” stated Director Dennis Carroll in the update. “They not only dispense food to the needy, but they offer a sympathetic ear, compassion, and Christian counsel, when needed.”
Long-Term Storm Recovery: The impacts of major storms are a long-term problem for many island residents, and CHUMM continued its work in the years following Dorian and other life-altering storms addressing these needs. “These are often people living in low-lying houses or trailers that get repeatedly flooded, for which flood insurance is prohibitively expensive or unavailable,” stated Carroll. “CHUMM has assisted many of the uninsured with the repair of roofs, siding, water damage, mold, flooded appliances, etc.”
Trailer Lifting: One of the Methodist Men’s long-term efforts to alleviate flooding issues is to elevate trailers and provide the individual owners with an Elevation Certificate which makes them eligible for low-cost insurance. “We recently finished elevating our 14th trailer,” stated Carroll. “The project was made possible with help from the Outer Banks Community Foundation, local contractors, and our volunteers.”
Early Response: In conjunction with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the Methodist Men have effectively trained, qualified, and equipped 90 Early Response Team members and leaders, (some off-island), that have become an integral part of the coordinated county-wide Emergency Management plan. “CHUMM’s strength is in maintaining a full-time presence on Hatteras Island [when disasters occur.]”
“As always, we’re blessed to have loyal supporters financing our dedicated volunteers, [and] this combination is very powerful,” stated Carroll. “We’re unique in that our all-volunteer group also pays for all operating expenses, including such things as our Food Pantry utilities, equipment, training, meals for volunteers, postage, etc. In this way, we can fulfill our promise that your gifts go directly to help those in need. Our long-standing partnership with Dare County Social Services helps us find and screen the truly needy, ensuring that your gifts are used wisely.”
CHUMM will be celebrating its 45th year of service in 2023, and donations and support are continually needed on a local level to keep all CHUMM initiatives going strong
The public can donate via the organization’s website at https://www.hatterasmethodistmen.org/, and supporters can also donate by mail. Checks should be written to “United Methodist Men” and mailed to Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men, P.O Box 1591, Buxton, NC 27920.
“We anticipate that our upcoming 45th year in 2023 will also be one of service to the people of Hatteras Island and beyond,” stated Carroll. “Every little bit helps!”
