STORIES
Photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
reports from partners10/17/2023 relief supplies in the Middle EastWe learned yesterday from DanChurchAID and Norwegian Church Aid - Week of Compassion partners through ACT Alliance - that staff colleagues in Gaza (who are themselves displaced) managed to purchase food from local vendors, coordinate with the UN (who provided the trucks), and that six trucks with food reached a UNRWA vocational training center where approximately 25-30,000 internally displaced persons have gathered. We know the concerns and tragedy are greater than we have even seen or can imagine. Week of Compassion persists in prayer, and in partnership conversation, to respond in the ways we are most able. Gifts to Week of Compassion designated 'Middle East Crisis' will be used for emergency food, water, and medical supplies. news from Maui10/13/2023 steps toward restoration and recoveryWeek of Compassion remains in contact with a wide variety of ecumenical partners and local community leaders as the restoration and recovery continues in Lahaina and other areas of west Maui in the wake of August wildfires. Maui County has divided the burn area into zones, slowly opening these zones for limited resident access, with a system in place, led by Hawai’i VOAD, where trained volunteers accompany residents on their first day of reentry. These skilled partners help ensure residents have and know how to use proper Personal Protective Equipment, provide emotional and spiritual support, and help connect survivors to additional assistance as it is needed. While access remains quite restricted due to concerns of exposure to toxins, several organizations are assisting with ash-sifting, to recover any personal property that may have survived, and with cleanup efforts, which are complicated by the environmental concerns about ash and debris flowing into the ocean. Local officials, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others are working to balance access for residents with critical mitigation efforts. The Gift of A Question10/10/2023 visiting partners at an Afghan girls' school
"It's just the beginning."10/5/2023 partners respond to flooding in LibyaDanChurchAid (DCA), a Week of Compassion partner through ACT Alliance, remains steadily at work responding to the recent overwhelming floods in Libya. Maneuvering through neighboring regions and hard-to-access roads, distributions arrived, bringing tools to aid the search and recovery, along with basic supplies for those displaced. In Derna, multiple schools are being used as shelters for displaced persons. After assessment with local caseworkers, items were packed into dignity kits appropriate to each family. Additional shipments are arriving at the shelters weekly, and kits will soon expand to include items needed for winterization. DCA is further assisting with makeshift medical centers as partners have been inundated and running out of supplies. As a DCA staffer said, “It was an important moment when the items arrived. They are much needed … The tools are so important for the search teams, and the items for those who lost their homes and belongings, it is making a big difference…but we will do more and keep going. It’s just the beginning.” At the Crossroads10/3/2023 responding to the Morocco earthquakeMorocco has long been a global crossroads, an active locale for people coming and going across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. On September 8th a 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated the cities of Marrakech and Agadir, among others in the region. The Protestant Church in Morocco (known by its French acronym EEAM: Eglise Evangélique au Maroc) - a Week of Compassion collaborator through Global Ministries - has long-standing ministry in the affected regions, dedicated to the care and support of migrant and refugee populations. As this already-active hub is even further affected by the earthquake and its aftermath, immediate needs and long-term response plans are critical, and increasing, for thousands of people in need of resources, opportunities, and care. With funds from Week of Compassion, EEAM’s current effort addresses urgent humanitarian needs (food aid, medical aid, clothing and blankets, shelter, hygiene), and provides development aid toward reconstruction efforts as well as scholarship and financial assistance for resettlement. Week of Compassion continues in prayer, service, and grateful thanksgiving for the many ways response and recovery happens. What a Difference a Year Makes9/29/2023 working with partners after Hurricane IanOne year ago this week, Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic damage across the state of Florida. While the Gulf Coast dealt primarily with wind impact, counties in central and eastern Florida were pelted with massive rainfall. In Volusia County, some areas saw more than 20” of rain, which caused devastating flooding. In response, Week of Compassion is working with Volusia Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster (VIND) and the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries to repair damaged homes. The collaboration - deepened by a history of cooperative responses to Hurricanes Matthew and Irma in previous years - includes disaster case managers and a volunteer coordinator, volunteer housing, financial support, and referral of volunteer teams contributing thousands of hours of labor across this long-term recovery. While some homes require roof repairs, the majority of damage is from flooding, so repairs include replacement of drywall, flooring, cabinets, and some electrical. Priority is given to clients who are most vulnerable, including low-income, veterans, and those elderly and/or disabled. Ready to GET INVOLVED with the long-term recovery in Volusia County? Find Volunteer info on our website: https://www.weekofcompassion.org/group-volunteers/florida Making Progress!9/28/2023 foundation poured in Mayfield KYRemember the house you built in the Exhibit Hall at General Assembly? The concrete block foundation is in place and ready for the next steps!
We are grateful to Leah Eubanks and the faithful at First Christian Paducah for keeping up with the progress, for sharing photos, and for hosting groups serving in the community to keep moving forward with rebuilt and restored housing, part of the recovery work since the winter 2021 tornadoes. To volunteer with them, or any of our other disaster response teams, go to weekofcompassion.org/group-volunteers |
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