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Since the beginning of the year, we have received fewer and fewer inquiries from those affected by the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley. Our cooperation partners, who coordinated the aid efforts, are also contacting us less frequently. Therefore, our relief operation in the Ahr Valley is largely complete.
Due to the government funding, which covers 80% of reconstruction costs, most affected individuals are turning to specialists and companies for guarantees and warranties. This trend is also evident with other aid organizations, such as the "Helper Shuttle." This largest aid organization in the Ahr Valley ceased its on-site operations on May 31, 2022, and now only maintains an online platform for those affected.
To the construction sites
In total, we oversaw more than twelve construction sites, most of which were completed. We carried out electrical work on over six of these sites – some of which involved completely new installations. On five other sites, we performed work on the heating system and plumbing. In a few instances, we also took on plastering, painting, and carpentry tasks.
The construction sites were located in the towns of Ahrbrück, Liers, Altenahr (Altenburg), and Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. Currently, a group of electricians is still overseeing one project in Altenburg. All other projects have been completed. We discontinued work at some sites because they were handed over to other contractors.
Mobile kitchen in Altenburg
Until the end of April, we actively supported the mobile kitchen in Altenburg. At the beginning of the project, we provided three meals a day to the volunteers and tradespeople in a shift system (early shift/late shift). Later, a caterer from the Ahr Valley was contracted by the authorities to take over the catering. During this time, we handled breakfast, dinner, coffee breaks with cake, and salad preparation, and also assisted the caterer with food distribution.
At the beginning of May, the municipality of Altenburg discontinued providing meals. As a result, our help in the kitchen was no longer needed. Currently, local residents offer meals for a fee only on Fridays and Saturdays. They use the CDH Stephanus food truck for this purpose. Following our inquiry with the local council of Altenburg, we were offered the use of the container space at the school. We can use this space as a central hub for further assistance or for evangelistic purposes.
At this point, I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again to everyone involved – may God richly reward you for these blessings! At the same time, I would like to ask for your prayers so that ways can be found to bring the Gospel to broken and downcast souls.
Leo Altmann
Municipality of Ulmen
More information about the project:
https://cdh-stephanus.org/ueberschwemmung/
