On Oct 16, 2025, the Antietam Valley Long Term Recovery Group deemed its mission met. Lutheran Congregational Services, Advent Lutheran Church – West Lawn, Trinity Lutheran – Wernersville, Reformation Lutheran – Exeter, St. John’s Lutheran – Sumneytown, St. Marks Lutheran – Pennsburg, and many other churches helped make this recovery a success by way of housing volunteers, providing funding and rebuild expertise. A special thanks goes out to Pastor Tom Irwin from Advent Lutheran – West Lawn as Pastor Irwin served on the board of the long term recovery committee.

To learn more about long term disaster recovery and the work of the Antietam Valley Long Term Recovery Group, please read our “After Action Summary” below.

 

 

Antietam Valley Long Term Recovery Group (AVLTRG)

Summary – September 19, 2025

Background

• Date of Disaster: July 9, 2023
• Event: Catastrophic flooding in Berks County (5–8 inches of rain in 3 hours)
• Response: AVLTRG formed to coordinate recovery
• Major Impact Area: Pennview Mobile Home Park
• Leadership: Lutheran Congregational Services & Advent Lutheran Church, West Lawn

2023–2024 Challenges

• 130 households impacted; 90 recovery cases opened (38 in Pennview)
• FEMA denied federal disaster declaration (Sept 2023)
• $300,000 pledged by Berks Community Action Program later withdrawn (Jan 2024)
• Ongoing unmet needs: contractors, heating systems, furniture, emotional/spiritual care

2024–2025 Progress

• Volunteers: 196 individuals, 2,535 hours → thousands saved in labor costs
• Funding Distributed: $135,000
  • $75,000 PEMA Disaster Recovery Assistance Funds
  • $60,000 private & nonprofit grants (including LDR/ELCA)
• Community Engagement: Dinners, anniversary events, outreach with survivors, legislators, and partners

Results (Sept 2025)

• 29 of 31 home repair cases completed; final 2 scheduled for contractor completion
• Effective volunteer coordination & discounted supply sourcing
• Challenge: Difficulty mobilizing local volunteers – most came from outside the community