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 |
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updated: 11/08/19 Event Summary: Between July 23 and August 30, 2018, the Carr Fire burned 229,651 acres in the area in and around Redding, CA. Damage assessments estimate the fire damaged or destroyed nearly 2000 structures, including more than 1200 homes. Unusually heavy rains and even a rare heavy snowfall through the fall and winter caused additional challenges for the many people living in temporary shelter, including some still living in tents or on the streets. Another catastrophic fire broke out in the region on Nov. 8, 2018, in Butte County. Over the next 3 weeks, the fire consumed 153,336 acres, including most of the town of Paradise, and resulting in 85 confirmed fatalities. At least 52,000 people were evacuated, and more than 14,000 homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Just weeks after the fire, heavy rains in the burn scar area caused flash flooding and mudslides, prompting additional evacuations, causing more damage, and slowing the debris removal process. How Disciples are Involved:
Local Contacts: First Christian Church, Redding; First Christian Church, Paradise; First Christian Church, Chico; TheNorCal Community Recovery Team (Redding); and The Camp Fire Long-Term Recovery Group Early Response: For the Carr Fire, Week of Compassion provided early support, including consultation, pastoral care, and relief funds through First Christian Church, Redding, which was open as a short-term shelter. We also provided solidarity grants to 9 affected families from the congregation. Our partners at Children’s Disaster Services provided trauma-informed child care during the evacuations. In response to the Camp Fire, Week of Compassion worked with First Christian Church, Paradise and First Christian Church, Chico. While FCC Paradise was in the midst of the evacuation zone, FCC Chico was far enough from the fire to serve as an emergency shelter. They also opened their doors to the displaced FCC Paradise congregation for office and worship space. Week of Compassion provided 52 household solidarity grants to families at both churches displaced by the fire. Ongoing Engagement: Week of Compassion continues to work primarily with our local congregations in Redding, Chico, and Paradise, as well as through ecumenical relationships and partners in the National VOAD network. We have provided grants to the NorCal Community Recovery Team in Redding (of which FCC Redding is an active participant) for disaster case management, distribution of material supplies, and home rebuilds. FCC Redding is hosting volunteer teams, coordinated through the NorCal CRT. For more information, contact Wendy Dickens, Volunteer Coordinator: NorCalCRTvolunteers[at]Gmail.com Through FCC Chico, we have supported the interfaith alliance in Butte County on an emotional and spiritual care initiative, facilitating grief support groups. We are also in conversation with the local long-term recovery group and other ecumenical and National VOAD partners around opportunities to assist with the extensive housing needs in the area, particularly in affordable and low-income housing. How to Help: Volunteer: FCC Redding is hosting volunteer teams, coordinated through the NorCal CRT. For more information, contact Wendy Dickens, Volunteer Coordinator: NorCalCRTvolunteers[at]Gmail.com Week of Compassion has Mission Station volunteer grants available to help offset the cost for volunteer mission teams. Contact Caroline Hamilton-Arnold for more information Give to Week of Compassion: Designate “US Storms and Fires” Pray: Continue to pray for the people of Northern California and our Week of Compassion partners. Advocate: Access to affordable housing was a pre-existing challenge in both Redding and Butte County, a situation the fires exacerbated. Encourage local, state, and federal officials to designate recovery funds for low-income housing and call for enforcement of price-gouging laws, especially in regard to rental rates. Watch our social media feed for photos, stories, and updates about this recovery. Comments are closed.
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