The Role of Faith Based Organizations in Disaster Response Don Timmerman, Director of Disaster Services, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Salvation Army

Responding to Disasters: Spiritual Foundations Faith based groups are motivated by spiritual compulsion. Faith based groups seek to meet not only the physical and material needs of disaster victims but also the spiritual and emotional needs

References Bible: “Some give freely, yet grow all the richer…A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water” Proverbs 11:24-25 Bible: “Because he loves me”, says the Lord, “I will rescue him: I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 9: 14-16

References For Jews, “the Torah makes it clear that it is a Jewish mandate to respond to the needs of the poor and needy…Doing tzedakah, righteous deeds, is part of the Jewish obligation to participate in tikkun olam-helping to repair the world.” (Source: American Jewish World Service

References For Muslims, the Qur’an and the prophet Muhammed are sources of inspiration: Whoever saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” Qur’an 5:32 “He is not one with us who sleeps with a full stomach when he knows that his neighbour goes hungry.” The prophet, Muhammed

Role of Churches in Disaster Response Strengths Location in the disaster affected community Immediate access to buildings, which can be used as emergency shelters, warehouse space or other uses. Members whom they may call upon to serve as volunteers. Familiarity with local geography, demographics.

Church Strengths cont’d Often established relationships with community leaders. Ability to help identify and contact populations with special needs, including the elderly and disabled. Reflection of the cultural diversity of their communities

Church Strengths cont’d Potential connections to other faith based groups in the community through pre- existing alliances, such as inter faith groups or ministerial associations. Role as a trusted, traditional source of refuge for those in need or in trouble.

Responsibilities of Faith-Based Groups Educate members of the congregation and the community about the dangers of likely disaster events and how to prepare for them. Look after members of their congregations, particularly those with special needs, during the emergency. Offer advocacy on behalf of those most in need.

Responsibilities cont’d Work in partnership with governmental and other charitable relief organizations, cooperate and support disaster recovery operations. Determine unmet needs of people who are especially vulnerable and marginalized by the disaster. Provide pastoral or spiritual services.

Responsibilities cont’d Provide a larger vision of life that includes emotional and spiritual care as well as physical and material rebuilding.

Summary There is a strong spiritual foundation underlying the participation of faith-based organizations in emergency work. Faith-based organizations seek to meet the material, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of disaster victims. Faith-based organizations have distinct advantages in ministering to the needs of disaster victims and responsibilities in helping their congregation and community prepare for and recover from a disaster.

Pandemic Set up a call system within your church for those likely to be house bound. Call house-bound regularly to check on their situation. Deliver groceries, medication to those house-bound. Prepare meals at home or at the church for those house- bound. Deliver meals to those house-bound and unable to cook for selves. Provide transportation as required for those house- bound.

Pandemic cont’d Activities undertaken for church members can for expanded to the community at large based on the number of volunteers available. Partner with other faith based groups to increase effectiveness in caring for the greater community.