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
COVID-19 Hurricanes Sally and Zeta, Alabama West Coast Fires (2020) Hurricanes Laura and Delta, Louisiana* Derecho, Iowa Tornadoes, Tennessee Tropical Storm Imelda, Texas Tornadoes, Ohio* VOLUNTEERS NEEDED * 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. December Tornado Outbreak Hurricane Ida 2021 Wildfires Kentucky and Tennessee Flooding Winter Storm (Feb. 2021) |
Tornado, Illinois12/2/2018 Updated 01/31/2020 Event Summary: On December 1, 2018 an EF3 tornado hit Taylorville, IL, damaging nearly than 700 homes. Many of those homes were in middle- and low-income areas of the rural town. How Disciples are Involved:
Local Contacts: Davis Memorial Christian Church, Missions for Taylorville, Taylorville Long-Term Recovery Team Early Response: Davis Memorial Christian Church was near the path of the tornado, but thankfully did not sustain damage. The congregation quickly began supporting relief efforts, with support from Week of Compassion. Many members of the DMCC had damage at their homes and received Week of Compassion solidarity grants. Through an existing relationship with a local organization home repair organization, Missions for Taylorville, DMCC helped with early responses and began organizing long-term recovery. Ongoing Engagement: Week of Compassion continues to support Davis Memorial Christian Church and Missions for Taylorville, as they work with the Long-Term Recovery Team to repair damaged homes. How to Help: Volunteer: Contact Rev. Bill Kerns, pastor at Davis Memorial Christian Church for more information about volunteering. Give to Week of Compassion: Designate “US Storms” Pray: Continue to pray for the ongoing recovery in Taylorville. Watch our social media feed for photos, stories, and updates about this recovery. Comments are closed.
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