Domestic Disaster Response & Preparedness
Photo: Craig Thompson, Disciple Design
When disasters strike, Week of Compassion is here to help:
before, during, and after.
In order to protect volunteers and communities we serve during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our partners have limited their volunteer disaster recovery operations. Volunteers should use caution, heed the guidance of public health officials, and pay close attention to protocols required on site and prior to serving. If volunteering is not a safe option for you right now, we encourage you to take this time to prepare for future mission opportunities by 1) becoming more disaster-ready as a household or congregation; 2) developing your skills in home repair; and 3) advocating for local, state, and federal policies that promote adequate and equitable disaster recovery.
Week of Compassion offers resources and training opportunities to help congregations prepare for and respond to disasters. 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 and ecumenical partners, Week of Compassion also supports opportunities for Disciples to offer hands-on assistance.
Learn more about our ongoing responses below; click here for volunteer opportunities; or click here to prepare for disasters.
Week of Compassion offers resources and training opportunities to help congregations prepare for and respond to disasters. 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 and ecumenical partners, Week of Compassion also supports opportunities for Disciples to offer hands-on assistance.
Learn more about our ongoing responses below; click here for volunteer opportunities; or click here to prepare for disasters.
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ONGOING RESPONSES
Hurricanes Sally and Zeta West Coast Fires Hurricanes Laura and Delta, Louisiana* Derecho, Iowa Tornadoes, Tennessee Tropical Storm Imelda, Texas Tornadoes, Ohio* Hurricane Michael, Florida Hurricane Florence, North Carolina* Carr Fire and Camp Fire, California Hurricanes Irma & Maria, Puerto Rico Hurricane Irma, Florida* Hurricane Harvey, Texas *limited volunteer opportunities available, with COVID-19 precautions
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EMERGING RESPONSES Week of Compassion is in conversation with local churches and partners in these areas where disasters are ongoing or have recently occurred. As needs are emerging, we are assessing potential avenues for response. Severe Weather Outbreaks and Tornadoes Winter Storm (Feb. 2021) COVID-19 |
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updated: 09/21/19 Event Summary: After passing over the USVI and Puerto Rico with limited damage, Hurricane Dorian strengthened to a Category 5 storm and stalled over the northern islands of The Bahamas in early September 2019. Damage to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco is incredibly severe. The storm then tracked the eastern coast of Florida, remaining a short distance offshore, and causing some damage due to strong winds and storm surge. That track continued along the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas, with the storm closer to shore. After making landfall near Cape Hatteras, NC, the storm continued up the Atlantic. The storm made landfall again in Nova Scotia on on Sept. 7. Structural damage in the U.S. and Canada was less severe than predicted, though many communities experienced extended power outages. How Disciples are Involved:
Local Contacts: The Bahamas: World Council of Churches, Church World Service, ACT Alliance, and partners through Global Ministries United States: Congregations in the Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia Regions; Volusia Interfaith Agencies Networking in Disaster; Children's Disaster Services; Pamlico County Disaster Recovery Committee; Christmount Camp and Conference Center; Bethany Hills Camp; The Retreat at Silver Springs Early Response: As of Sept. 9, no Disciples congregations were reporting damage; Camp Christian in North Carolina had damage to their pier and roof and water damage to some buildings. Johnson Christian Park in Nova Scotia had damage to the camp property, and several Disciples congregations in The Maritimes are assisting neighbors who had damage due to downed trees and power outages. The Christian Church in North Carolina worked with Barton College and local congregations to preposition hygiene and clean-up kits. Several Disciples camps and conference centers opened for evacuees. Our partners at Children's Disaster Services deployed teams to South and North Carolina to provide childcare in evacuation centers. We are in communication with local long-term recovery groups working in communities affected by past storms that may see additional needs from Dorian. Read more about early response. Ongoing Engagement: An assessment team made up of several Week of Compassion partners is in the process of developing a response plan, including immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts. How to Help: Volunteer: Stay tuned for details about volunteer opportunities. Give to Week of Compassion: Designate “Hurricanes” Pray: Continue to pray for those affected by the storm and for our Week of Compassion partners. Advocate: Watch our social media feed for photos, stories, and updates about this recovery. Comments are closed.
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