Last year, a bipartisan bill, HB4669, was introduced to strengthen and modernize federal disaster management. The bill restores FEMA’s status as an independent agency and includes reforms to make FEMA’s response faster, fairer, more flexible and more accountable. The passage of this bill would help survivors have better, more equitable access to resources when they are most needed, and help to implement mitigation efforts in vulnerable communities. We see this legislation as a moral and practical step toward a more just, compassionate, and resilient national disaster recovery system. The bill passed through committee with near-unanimous support, but we still have a lot of work to do to move this legislation forward. Consider calling or writing your congressperson today to express support for HB4669.  When we started this Willing to Respond newsletter, it was our desire to create a community of willing responders and to use this tool to educate congregations and share useful resources and opportunities. That desire has not changed, but we are considering moving away from this format for sharing information. We would love to hear from you! Please help us understand how to best support you and how we can communicate most effectively by participating in this survey. LEARN & SERVE IN-PERSON VOLUNTEERING
Tangible acts of service continue to be a priority for Week of Compassion. Presence is a beautiful way of loving our neighbors. Giving one's time to help disaster survivors recover is such a gift. Whether a communal or individual lenten practice, or just a thing to do over spring break, we invite you to consider volunteering. A single person can volunteer, and in many locations, the ideal group size is 4-6! Groups of all sizes can make a big difference for disaster survivors! You can review all of the volunteering opportunities available now. We are committed to making meaningful connections so please contact us for more information. VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING Crisis Cleanup is a remote call center that connects survivors to cleanup assistance after a major disaster. Virtual volunteers are always needed. It only takes 4 easy steps to get set up to take calls anytime. This is another small way to be prepared to help. TRAINING Week of Compassion is collaborating with several partners to host the 2026 Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy. This series of no-cost, online webinars will offer opportunities for learning skills to offer spiritual and emotional care to survivors of disasters. Courses will range from introductory to more advanced. See the detailed schedule and register here. + + + Pre-recorded modules for virtual Disaster Site Leader training are available upon request. This training is meant to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to help guide teams in home repair, hospitality, and faithful conversations for volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Disaster Site Leader, please send us an email. + + + Week of Compassion partners with Children’s Disaster Services to provide respite childcare in disaster shelters and resources centers. Visit Week of Compassion's Training page for more information about participating in an upcoming training or hosting a future training. To learn more about how this ministry is already showing up in times of need, check out this story. Comments are closed.
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Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee and development mission fund
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. |
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mailing address:
P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis IN 46206 |
building address:
1099 N. Meridian, Ste 700, Indianapolis IN 46204 |