East Palestine has been thrust into the national spotlight by the disaster that struck on February 3rd, 2023 with the Norfolk Southern train derailment, controlled burn, and mandatory evacuation which upended the lives of some of our fraternity members. The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center (OMCRC) Outreach Coordinator DeAnna Kinney received a call that night from Masonic Volunteer Program (MVP) committee chairman Joe Wicker, and the next morning other volunteers in the district began calling with offers of assistance, though no one knew at that time how they could help. On February 6th, when Governor DeWine issued a mandatory evacuation of an area around the disaster site, the MVP committee began identifying Masons who may be affected. OMCRC was able to connect with a dozen Masonic families who had been displaced, providing information on air quality screening, lodging, and clean water and food sites. Most of our displaced families stayed with friends and relatives or were able to stay in nearby hotels. Utilizing our Emergency Assistance Program, we were also able to help with some lodging expenses. MVP volunteers assisted with calling to check on our Masonic families, and local Lodges assisted with food and water.
Upon the return of families to their homes, OMCRC continued outreach and provided information on reimbursement from Norfolk Southern, a toxicology hotline, free water, food trucks, and air quality testing. We continue reaching out to provide support and guidance, and to advocate on behalf of our clients who have experienced extreme amounts of stress and frustration. The residents of East Palestine have a long road ahead of them, but the Fraternity continues to monitor those affected and support each other–as Masons do.
