The Oregon Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) unit was asked by the Klamath County Long Term Recovery Group to build sheds for some of the families who lost their homes in the Golden Fire in 2018. Portland Mennonite Church embraced the opportunity to build one shed, consisting of nine 4’x8′ panels and ten trusses, with the participation of 23 individuals across different age groups and skill sets. Some individuals assisted with heavy lifting, while others provided snacks, encouragement, and guidance. John Colvin is the Oregon Unit MDS chair and the lead on this project, with my assistance. Portland Mennonite Church has a strong history with MDS, with Maurice Imhoff providing leadership for MDS projects and volunteering within our congregation for many years. These sheds will provide families with a safe place to store their belongings and start rebuilding their lives. The sheds will be 8’x12′ in size. The shed components will be transported to Klamath County in August and September, where volunteers, including some from Portland Mennonite, will assemble them on-site and complete the flooring and roofing.
Written by Joanne Barta, member of Portland Mennonite Church and MDS volunteer
Photo credit: Joanne Barta
Donita
Tammi and Octavio
Dale and Michelle