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, Alabama West Coast Fires (2020) 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. 2021 Wildfires Kentucky Flooding Winter Storm (Feb. 2021) COVID-19 |
Hurricane Florence: North Carolina9/14/2018 updated: 05/12/2021 Event Summary: On September 14, 2018, Hurricane Florence made landfall along the North Carolina coast, just north of the border between the Carolinas. For the next several days, the storm lingered over the region, causing catastrophic flooding, including prolonged significant river flooding. The federal disaster declaration included 34 counties, the majority of which were also in the impact zone of Hurricane Matthew just two years before. volunteerHow Disciples are Involved:
Local Contacts: Christian Church in North Carolina; Camp Caroline; local Long-Term Recovery Groups; Church World Service Early Response: In collaboration with the Regional Office, Week of Compassion provided informational resources to congregations in advance of and following the hurricane. We supported the work of the Regional Disaster Task Force, including pastoral care for local congregations and the creation, acquisition, and distribution of disaster clean-up kits and school kits in collaboration with our partner, Church World Service. Week of Compassion provided solidarity grants to 53 households and 12 congregations, as well as to both camps in the region (Christmount Conference and Retreat Center and Camp Caroline). We provided additional support to Christmount Conference and Retreat Center, as they sheltered approximately 100 evacuees, some for several weeks. Ongoing Engagement: In partnership with Camp Caroline, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina, and the Pamlico County Disaster Relief Coalition, we are supporting home repair efforts in Pamlico County. We continue to work with the Regional Office and Regional Disaster Task Force to support congregational involvement through informational and financial resources. Support for local long-term recovery groups continues through direct grants to support repair and rebuild efforts and through organizational consultation. We also continue to support the work of our partners at Church World Service, as they provide administrative services to long-term recovery groups and work to address needs of immigrant and refugee communities affected by the storm. How to Help: Volunteer: With COVID-19 precautions in place, volunteer opportunities continue in Pamlico County in partnership with Camp Caroline. For more information about volunteering, fill out the Volunteer Interest Form above. Give to Week of Compassion: Designate “Hurricanes” Pray: Continue to pray for the people of North Carolina and our Week of Compassion partners. Advocate: Recent research has shown clear evidence that disasters tend to exacerbate wealth inequalities within and between communities. Advocate for long-term recovery investments that address existing inequalities and have measures in place to promote equity in recovery. Watch our social media feed for photos, stories, and updates about this recovery. Comments are closed.
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