POSTVILLE - A coalition of churches has sent letters to elected officials pleading for assistance in dealing with the social and economic upheaval caused by Agriprocessors' struggles.

Twenty churches from Decorah and Postville sent letters to, among others, the governor, both of Iowa's senators and Reps. Tom Latham and Bruce Braley.

It asks them to support a humanitarian response that has provided food, shelter and clothing to more than 1,000 people since a May 12 immigration raid on Agriprocessors, Postville's kosher meatpacking plant.

The plant, which had employed more than 900 people, has gradually cut back its work force since then. Nearly two weeks ago the plant stopped operation and was unable to pay workers their most recent paycheck.

The company hopes to operate again under new management, though no timetable has been set for the plant's reopening.

State agencies have already provided aid, but the coalition hopes for federal support.

The churches asked officials to pressure the federal government to provide work visas and cover costs associated with keeping workers in the U.S. to serve as witnesses against the company, said the Rev. Carol Kress of First United Methodist Church in Decorah.

About 10 men and more than a dozen women arrested in the raid remain in the area under supervision, waiting to testify or be sentenced.

"We were just told by our legal assistant that it could still be months," Kress said.

Kress said displaced workers are now asking for help with heat and health care bills.

Volunteers told her people who had worked at the plant just two weeks ago are now without health insurance because the company has not paid providers.

"These are things that are above and beyond what a church is typically asked to do," she said.

Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.