(From left) The Rev. Nick Camacho, who heads the Helping Puerto Rico Rise Again campaign; Robert Simcox, new Disaster Response Coordinator; and the Rev. Russell Atkinson, new Volunteers in Mission Coordinator.
Robert Simcox
Eastern PA Conference Disaster Ministry Coordinator
drc@epaumc.org
(610) 427-0470
Rev. Russell Atkinson
Volunteers in Mission Coordinator
ratkinson@epaumc.org
(610) 675 – 7187
Rev. Nick Camacho
EPA Conference Project Coordinator for Puerto Rico Recovery
nick@westlawnumc.org
484-769-5173
A crisis can happen anytime, anywhere. Planning before, response during and recovery after crises are all critical stages to lessen the severity and longevity of the damage that may occur–that is, structural, physical and emotional damages.
The Eastern PA Conference has key persons and protocols that victims of crises–especially disasters–can call upon for timely, sensitive, experienced assistance. We have a conference Disaster Response Team and District Coordinators ready to help, along with District Superintendents and the Communications Office. All church leaders should learn about disaster response news, information, responders and resources, as well as steps to prepare and response to disasters.
Six barrels with 50-gallons each of donated hand sanitizer are now ready and waiting for churches to “come and get it” at the Eastern PA Conference’s four Camp & Retreat Centers and at two local churches in Philadelphia and Allentown… Read more
Eastern PA Conference’s Disaster Response Ministry also has donated, washable cloth face coverings from FEMA to help churches ensure safety during worship and activities. The adult-sized masks are 100% cotton, and contain silver and copper to help prevent the growth of viruses and germs. Churches wanting masks can request them using the following form.
The Eastern PA Conference Disaster Response Ministry is seeking volunteers to sew and donate suitable protective masks for children and adults in vulnerable, urban communities during the COVID-19 pandemic… Read more
Volunteers are urgently needed to help the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico as they recover from the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Registrations are now being taken for Early Response Teams (ERT) and Long-Term Recovery (LTR) Teams. ERTs should be in contact with their Conference Disaster Response Coordinator first.
Interested teams are encouraged to visit this link to express their interest in serving: Intent to Serve in Puerto Rico
Additionally, UMCOR will be updating the following webpage with information as it becomes available: www.umcor.org/UMCOR/puerto-rico-volunteers
The Advance Special Project Number for people wishing to donate to support the Eastern PA Conference’s general disaster response work is: #0345. But use #0345PR to support the Helping Puerto Rico Rise Again campaign, which aids the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico’s efforts to recover from devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Thank you for supporting this vital ministry work.