Religious organizations have a long and important history of involvement in disaster relief efforts, at scales from the local to the national levels. Often among the first to respond after an emergency, these various organizations take advantage of both formal and informal relationships to provide those in need with supplies and relief, often filling in gaps in coverage until larger governmental aid can arrive. Says John Kincaid, a retired police office and volunteer driver with Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort to the Deseret News, “A lot of times, faith-based groups are the first to get in. Sometimes it takes FEMA a week or two,” noting “I may make deliveries to a Church of Christ, but (the supplies) can be used by anybody who is hungry.”
However, at a time when the demands on these religious relief organizations are growing, due to an increase in disasters requiring large scale support, these organizations are also under pressure from declines in church membership and participation in organized religion. Says author and executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College Jamie Aten to The Deseret News, “Even as we see shifts happening with religious participation and demographics, people continue to turn to churches for assistance during disasters.” This trend results in the demand on these organizations remaining constant, even as the supplies available to them decrease.
While recent changes to FEMA policies have granted increased access to disaster relief funding for houses of worship, these relief organizations still face challenges in their relief efforts. Says Aten of their importance, “Local faith communities have such an important role that no other disaster relief organization can play. They have established relationships and networks, and they know who is most vulnerable.”
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