Recovery
Faith communities have a unique ministry in the recovery phase. After the response phase, many secular disaster response organizations have completed their work, leaving recovery to the communities and the faith communities that support them. A disaster provides one of the greatest opportunities to minister to the needs of the community. The level of involvement speaks volumes and leaves a lasting impression upon the community. Here are a few ways for faith communities to get involved:
Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC)
LTRC’s mainly operate within disaster-affected communities. The purpose of a LTRC is to help the recovery of survivors. Case managers act as intermediaries between the survivor and an LTRC. These case workers represent the survivor and list what each person needs to recover. They use the resources provided by the members of an LTRC to help that person recover. LTRCs should be composed of people who have authorization to provide grants and resources at organizations that are committed to helping a community recover.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
A VOAD usually subsumes the LTRC once its work is finished. A VOAD takes a more proactive stance on disaster by bringing together agencies to consider preparedness measures. A LTRC is a convenient place to start because the organizations had already been working hard to recover. The purpose of a VOAD is to share information about preparedness efforts, maximize resources, prevent duplication of effort, and educate people about preparedness. As established by National VOAD, the four principles of a VOAD are cooperation, collaboration, communication, and coordination. Even if a community does not have a LTRC, it can still set up a VOAD.
For more information on how to set up a VOAD
Other Congregational Assistance
Recovering from a disaster is an extremely complex process. Although there are resources that provide assistance, these resources often require long forms and processing periods. Houses of worship can provide assistance in applying for state or federal aid, filling out forms, and providing spiritual or mental support throughout the difficult processes.
Volunteer Programs
One of the most visible contributions the faith community makes is mission trips to disaster-affected communities. Yet for faith communities interested in this ministry, it is important to go beyond once-a-year mission trips and build sustainable volunteer programs. A sustainable volunteer program is one that builds relationships with the places they send volunteers. Either through a volunteer coordinator or through a program that allows all congregants to participate, a sustainable program reflects the ongoing commitment to disaster recovery.
Partnerships with Faith Communities within Disaster Zones
By partnering with faith communities within disaster zones, a house of worship can better understand what people in disaster-stricken area needs. These partnerships might find that individual members need assistance or that some specific good is needed, where a food or goods drive might be helpful.
For more information, to request a disaster preparedness presentation, or for guidance on implementing these steps, contact Selena Xie at Selena@texasimpact.org or (512) 472 - 3903.
