Disaster Response10/21/2024 Week of Compassion connects Disciples in times of crisis In just the last few weeks, many parts of the southeast have experienced multiple hurricanes. As communication is restored and previously inaccessible areas open up across impacted communities, Week of Compassion continues to connect with Disciples Regional leaders and congregational pastors. While assessments by disaster response professionals continue, we anticipate additional needs will emerge. Soon, conversations will turn to long-term recovery efforts, and plans will develop – and Week of Compassion will outline and empower the best ways Disciples can be part of the widespread and critical work to come. Week of Compassion email update newsletters usually include a Response Map and map detail. The map is also found on the front page of our website, and is one way we share the work that Disciples, through Week of Compassion, are doing around the world. It includes international emergency response and sustainable development work – in places like the Middle East, eastern Europe, and on the African continent. When weather-related disasters take place – tornadoes in the midwest, fires in the plains and western states, hurricanes across the southeast – many places across the United States will be listed as we respond to the needs of those communities. Click through from the email to the full Response Map on our homepage, and you’ll find more detail about the kind of connections Week of Compassion makes. When a disaster strikes, immediate help is needed for families to bridge the early days of a disaster situation. Week of Compassion solidarity grants are the best immediate response. While our primary focus is long-term recovery, in the months (and even years) after a disaster, solidarity grants can play a significant role in the short term, providing immediate relief and assistance for impacted churches, members of congregations, and churches that are able to serve as support for their communities. Christmount Assembly, the Disciples national conference center in Black Mountain, North Carolina, is addressing significant damage to the camp facilities and infrastructure. At the same time, approximately 90 people live in private residences within the camp boundaries. Christmount has been providing water, rented port-a-potties, and is doing rapid repair of roads and bridges to ensure those residents can get in and out of their homes. A Week of Compassion grant helps make that community support possible. Most of all, Week of Compassion grants are our way of saying The whole church is with you now, and for the long term. We will work alongside you, and we are praying for your safety, comfort, and peace. Click on the Response Map below to explore both international and domestic responses over the last month – and learn more about the various grants available to households, congregational, and community in times of disasters by visiting our media & print page. If your congregation or those who are part of it know of response needs following the recent storms, please contact Week of Compassion. As always, we are praying with you and for you, Disciples – with gratitude.   Comments are closed.
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