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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Request print copies via info@weekofcompassion.org
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ONGOING RESPONSES
Earthquakes (2022) - California Wildfires (2022) - New Mexico and California Hurricane Ian (2022) - Florida Hurricane Fiona (2022) - Puerto Rico* Flooding (2022) - Missouri Flooding (2022) - Kentucky* Tornado Outbreak (2021) - Kentucky* Hurricane Ida (2021) - Louisiana, Gulf Coast, East Coast West Coast Fires (2020) - California & Oregon Hurricanes Laura & Delta (2020) - Louisiana Hurricane Florence (2018) - North Carolina* Hurricanes Irma & Maria (2017) - Puerto Rico* 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. Wildfires - Hawai'i Tornadoes/Severe storms (2023) - AR, MO, MS, OK, TN Tornado (2023) - Texas Tornadoes (2023) - MS, AL, and GA Severe Storms/Flooding (2023) - California |
* volunteer opportunities available, with COVID-19 precautions
Wildfires - Hawai'i8/11/2023 Wildfires in early August on the Big Island and the island of Maui devastated communities and claimed more than 100 lives. Among the most severe impacts was the near total destruction of the town of Lahaina. Week of Compassion is in touch with Regional leadership and the local Disciples congregations on the island of O'ahu, as well as with ecumenical partners on the island of Maui. Early response includes support of childcare teams with Children's Disaster Services. - Federal Disaster Declaration - DR-4724-HI HOW DISCIPLES ARE INVOLVED
Local Contacts: The Pacific Southwest Region; Hawaii VOAD Early Response: Week of Compassion is in touch with ecumenical partners and local churches, to provide assistance as needed. Through our partnership with Children's Disaster Services, we are supporting childcare for evacuees. See our media updates here. Ongoing Engagement: We are in conversation with ecumenical partners about long-term needs. HOW TO HELP Volunteer: TBD. Give to Week of Compassion: Designate Hawai'i Fires Pray: Continue to pray for those affected by this crisis and for our Week of Compassion partners. Advocate: The fires were exacerbated by drought and high winds, likely made worse by climate change. The impact to Lahaina includes destruction of historical and cultural items for the Native Hawai'ian community, and concerns are mounting that predatory real estate investment could displace locals - especially in the Native community - during the rebuilding. Advocate for action to address climate change; for resources to support communities in preparing for and mitigating against disasters; and for recovery plans that are just, equitable, and informed by the cultural context of the area. Comments are closed.
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