Disaster Response / UMVIM

The new Eastern PA Conference’s Disaster Response Leadership Team:

(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.

Contact

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

Not if, but when.

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.

Donated hand sanitizer available at 4 camps, 2 churches

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.

 

Appeal for donated masks, hand sanitizer, etc

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

Special Appeal: Puerto Rico

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

• UMCOR Shares Process for Applying to Volunteer in Puerto Rico

Support Disaster Response Ministry

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.

Crisis Preparation and Response Plan for EPAUMC churches

• What is a crisis? – A crisis can be an event or emergency associated in some way with the Church but beyond its control, wherein there is potential for damage to individuals or to the image of the Church and its ability to be in ministry and which we might expect to become public. Read more.

Church Preparation for Hurricanes

• All trained ERT members are asked to be on standby for activation within our conference.
• Inform congregation members to prepare a disaster kit.
• Set up system to check on homebound members, elderly or those with chronic illnesses in your congregation.
• Read more…

Preparedness Resources for Houses of Worship

• Includes: Emergency Operations planning resources, Active Shooter preparedness resources, free online independent study courses for everyone, and more. Continue

Churches Dealing with Disaster

• Be a part of relief efforts: Donate to UMCOR Disaster Response.
• Follow UMNS disaster coverage or the UMNS page on Facebook.
• Learn from the stories of United Methodists congregations that have faced disasters

Disaster Response News & Information