The Office of National Disaster Ministries of the United Church of Christ works in partnership and holds membership in the following organizations. As a result of our partnerships the United Church of Christ is able to respond to disasters all over the United States and Puerto Rico.
Church World Service is a cooperative humanitarian ministry of 36 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations, providing sustainable self-help and development, disaster relief, and refugee assistance in more than 80 countries. CWS is part of the ecumenical family of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
The United Church of Christ National Disaster Ministries program assists communities affected by natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes) and technological disasters (toxic waste dump, transportation accidents releasing toxic chemicals, and mining hazards.
National Disaster Ministries programs are conducted in cooperation with and through the Conferences of the United Church of Christ (USA and Puerto Rico). Each Conference, drawing upon the gifts of its local congregations, determines how best to serve as denominational and ecumenical partners, and witnesses of hope when disasters occur in their geographic area. A network of Conference Disaster Coordinators assists in developing preparedness measures before crises occur. Coordinators help to organize volunteers for clean-up and rebuilding efforts; as well as participate in response and long term recovery efforts in communities affected by natural disasters.
People and communities impacted by disasters require assistance spiritually, physically, financially, and psychologically. The Office of National Disaster Ministries provides assistance with acute and or long-term effects of technological disasters or events. The United Church of Christ and Church World Service Emergency Response Program work together to resource faith organizations, individuals related to the religious community, and community organizations.