Domestic Disaster Response & Preparedness
Photo: Craig Thompson, Disciple Design
When disasters strike, Week of Compassion is here to help--before, during, and after.
Week of Compassion offers resources and training opportunities to help congregations prepare and respond. Immediately following disasters in the United States and Canada, Week of Compassion works through local congregations and regions to provide guidance, connections, and resources for navigating disaster response. We invest the majority of our disaster response resources in long-term recovery, primarily for the purpose of repairing and rebuilding homes. In coordination with Disciples Volunteering and other partners, Week of Compassion also supports opportunities for Disciples to offer hands-on assistance.
Learn more about our ongoing responses below, or click here to prepare for disasters.
Learn more about our ongoing responses below, or click here to prepare for disasters.
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Event Summary: On July 19, 2018, a tornado outbreak occurred northeast of Des Moines, IA. Among the recorded tornadoes were an EF2 in Bondurant, which damaged several dozen homes, and an EF3 in Marshalltown, which damaged more than 1000 homes as well as multiple manufacturing plants and a downtown business district. Damage to the manufacturing plants in Marshalltown resulted in temporary and long-term unemployment for many residents in the area, including many who also experienced damage at their homes. How Disciples are Involved:
Local Partners: Central Christian Church, Marshalltown; First Christian Church, Bondurant; Marshalltown Long-Term Family Recovery Committee; Camp Noah Early Response: Week of Compassion provided early support, including consultation, pastoral care, and solidarity grants through First Christian Church, Bondurant and Central Christian Church in Marshalltown. The building at Central Christian Church suffered moderate damage, though they are still able to have full use of the facility. Both congregations were engaged in early relief efforts, providing space for local groups displaced by the storms. 25 households connected to the churches received Week of Compassion solidarity grants. Ongoing Engagement: Week of Compassion and Disciples Volunteering are working with Central Christian Church as a potential host site volunteers, in collaboration with the Marshalltown Long-Term Family Recovery Committee. Our partners at Camp Noah are planning to provide trauma-informed day-camps this summer for children in Marshall County. How to Help: Volunteer: In the short term, individual volunteers and small groups can inquire about availability for volunteers with Habitat for Humanity by contacting us. Stay tuned for further volunteer opportunities. Give to Week of Compassion: Designate “US Storms and Fires” Pray: Continue to pray for the people of central Iowa and our Week of Compassion partners. Watch our social media feed for photos, stories, and updates about this recovery. Comments are closed.
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