On May 13, 2025, more than five inches of rain fell in a short period across the steep mountain communities of Allegany County, sending fast-moving floodwaters over the banks of George’s Creek. The towns of Midland, Lonaconing, Nikep, Moscow, Barton, Franklin, and Westernport were all affected. A comprehensive damage assessment found two homes completely destroyed, 34 categorized as major damage, and dozens more in need of significant repair — over 100 households in all. Allegany County is one of the poorest counties in the nation, ranking 2,322 out of 3,143, which means many of these families have little capacity to recover on their own.
The Western Maryland Long Term Recovery Group has assembled professional leadership, with a project manager and construction manager now on the ground and active home assessments underway. The recovery effort anticipates building 10 to 14 new homes and repairing 70 to 80 damaged ones. They are now ready to begin scheduling volunteers to help with the rebuilding.
A broad coalition of faith-based organizations is already at the table — including Lutheran Disaster Response, Mennonite Disaster Service, UCC Disaster Response, and the Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC — and the Presbytery of Baltimore is proud to be part of that effort. First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland has been involved from the beginning, gathering supplies, supporting cleanup, and staying connected to the long-term rebuilding process.
Recent News
Volunteer group helps flood-ravaged communities continue to recover
Mineral News and Tribune, February 6, 2026
“We encourage you to prayerfully consider organizing a work team from your congregation or ministry group.”
Volunteers Needed
No single skill set is required — just willing hands and a servant’s heart. But if you know anyone blessed with the following knowledge, all the better!
- LVT flooring installation
- Drywall repair & replacement
- Window replacement
- Concrete work
- Painting
- Minor repairs
First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland is ready to help host out-of-town volunteers and find volunteer housing options, so your team can focus on the work without worrying about logistics. Construction planning is still in early stages, with more specific opportunities to be shared in the weeks ahead.
Now is the right time to begin that conversation — to pray, discern, and identify who might be called to serve.
Get Involved
To learn more or express your congregation’s interest, contact Susan Krehbiel at skrehbiel@baltimorepresbytery.org. You can also follow the Western Maryland Long Term Recovery Group on Facebook for updates: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585386869728
