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, volunteers should use caution, heed the guidance of public health officials, and pay close attention to protocols required before and while serving. All Week of Compassion volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before serving.
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.
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.
You can also find volunteer opportunities or learn how to prepare for disasters.
You can also find volunteer opportunities or learn how to prepare for disasters.
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ONGOING RESPONSES
Hurricanes Sally & Zeta (2020) - Alabama West Coast Fires (2020) - California & Oregon Hurricanes Laura & Delta (2020) - Louisiana * Tornadoes (2019) - Ohio Hurricane Florence (2018) - North Carolina* Carr Fire and Camp Fire (2018) - California Hurricanes Irma & Maria (2017) - Puerto Rico Hurricane Irma (2017) - Florida Hurricane Harvey (2017) - Texas |
EMERGING RESPONSES
Week of Compassion is in conversation with local churches and partners in areas where disasters are ongoing or have recently occurred. As needs are emerging, we are assessing potential for response. Hurricane Ian (2022) - Florida Hurricane Fiona (2022) - Puerto Rico * bilingual volunteers needed for remote assistance * Water Crisis (2022) - Jackson, Mississippi Flooding (2022) - Missouri Flooding (2022) - Kentucky Tornado Outbreak (Dec 2021) * - Kentucky Hurricane Ida (2021) - Louisiana, Gulf Coast, East Coast |
* volunteer opportunities available, with COVID-19 precautions
Hurricane Florence9/14/2018 2018 - North Carolinaupdated: 04/06/2022 On Sept 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. Read more about how Disciples are involved AND how you can help! HOW 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: Week of Compassion is working with local Long-Term Recovery Groups to supoprt ongoing recovery. For more information about volunteering, fill out the Volunteer Interest Form. 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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