We know that this is a busy time of year for you.
But would you please take a minute to join faith communities and faith leaders around Pennsylvania to endorse the Clean Water for the Woodlands fund drive?
Families in towns and rural communities across the shale fields of Pennsylvania where modern oil and gas drilling techniques have turned them into industrialized wastelands have had their water supplies compromised. The problem is particularly acute in an area of Butler County, where fracking fouled well water of 52 families in a community called the Woodlands six years ago.
To date, families in the Woodlands still rely on a weekly donation of 20 gallons of clean water for drinking, cooking, and brushing their teeth, which they receive from volunteers operating a water bank at the nearby White Oak Springs Presbyterian Church. This falls far short of what the American Red Cross considers the minimum required for an emergency – two gallons per person per day.
We will be posting this project in January on Faithify – a crowdfunding website – to provide much-needed financial support to volunteer efforts in the Woodlands to supply the affected families with clean water. One hundred percent of the money raised will go toward purchasing water for the Woodlands Community and we now have a matching grant of $2500.
We also hope to show decision-makers in Harrisburg that Pennsylvania’s faith community is mobilizing to advocate for communities like the Woodlands, which they are actively neglecting.
Prior to launching this fundraiser, we are circulating a letter urging Pennsylvania clergy and faith leaders to acknowledge these families and the need to provide water for the Woodlands.
Please join faith leaders and faith communities around the state by signing our letter here: http://bit.ly/waterforwoodlands
Please consider sharing this request with as many faith leaders and communities of faith in your networks.
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