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) |
Tornadoes, Missouri5/23/2019 updated: 01/31/2020 Event Summary: In May, 2019 a series of tornadoes wrought damage across Missouri, including an EF3 tornado in Jefferson City, which caused severe damage at Community Christian Church, and an EF1 tornado in Eldon. Also among the many damaged buildings in Jefferson City were many rental and affordable housing properties. How Disciples are Involved:
Local Contacts: Community Christian Church; First Christian Church, Jefferson City; First Christian Church, Eldon; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America Early Response: Week of Compassion provided solidarity grants to affected Disciples households, as well as to the affected churches. First Christian Church, Eldon and First Christian Church, Jefferson City helped provide relief to their neighbors, especially providing community meals and food pantry supplies. Ongoing Engagement: We are continuing to work with local churches and the region to identify needs and ways to help the community going forward. In both Eldon and Jefferson City, Disciples are engaged with community Long-Term Recovery Groups as they coordinate for recovery ahead. How to Help: Volunteer: First Christian Church of Jefferson City will be hosting volunteers in collaboration with Disciples Volunteering, Habitat for Humanity, and Transformational Housing. For more information, visit www.discipleshomemissions.org/mo-response Give to Week of Compassion: Designate “US Storms and Fires” Pray: Continue to pray for the people of Missouri and our Week of Compassion partners. Advocate: The tornadoes damaged a large number of affordable housing units, especially in Jefferson City. Advocate for the rights of renters and for increased access to affordable housing options. Watch our social media feed for photos, stories, and updates about this recovery. Comments are closed.
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