Helping Hands in Huntington

God's people are on Huntington's side. When flood waters crippled parts of the community last Thursday, the Fairfax Community Chaplain Corps came to the rescue. For nearly a week, the chaplains have worked in shifts at the Huntington Community Center. 

"We've become a liaison between people and the County to determine what the needs for people are," said Andy Casper, the lead pastor at the South County Church. "Sometimes people can be in such a chaotic state and don't really know what they need."  

Amy Barnish's home and property were damaged by the flood. "Everybody's been here to help us," she said. The chaplains "kept us abreast of what was going on, what services were offered at the community center. They were very nice and helpful."

Northern Virginia has experienced flooding, a hurricane and an earthquake in the last month.

"I think it's put us on the ground running and not in a real gentle way. We've certainly gotten our feet wet figuratively and literally," said Rev. Sue Ezell, who has been in the FCCC since June. "I think it's reinforced, for me anyway, that there's been a real need of pastoral care for the folks who have been absolutely devastated. The fact that they have food from the Red Cross here has been a lifesaver for people who still don't have electricity."

The 25 FCCC members are on-call one week at a time for up to six times a year to provide comfort, solace, and spiritual care to Fairfax County residents during and/or after a natural or man-made disaster or critical incident. Religion, unless asked by victims, is kept from conversations. Chaplains are trained in crisis intervention, psychological first aid and critical incident stress management.

"They're good people," said Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland. "They've been here to listen, which is what a lot of people need, and I'm glad to have them."

Incident Commander Mike Guditus is with the Office of Emergency Management. "The main thing is having a presence on scene," he said. "It's nice to come into a place when you're down and out, your house has been flooded, you're in need and you see a friendly person offering assistance and helping to give them direction. So, they've been invaluable to our residents, and there's been an overwhelming response from people happy to see them."

Twenty-four homes in Huntington are still without power and an estimated 130 without gas.