Severe storms blasting through the Tri-Conference area are a reminder that UCC Disaster Ministries are one linkage where we work together as the Body of Christ, serving neighbors in their need. Here are a few ways UCC Disaster Ministries might be able to help. For more detailed information, contact:
Iowa Conference – Brice Hughes
Cell: 515.450.1321 (call or text)
Email: [email protected]
Nebraska Conference – Coral Parmenter
Work/Home: 308.645.2351
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 402.841.7907 (texts are best since cell coverage is spotty!)
Solidarity Grants When your congregation responds to your local community in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, such as providing food, shelter, or other emergency resources to those impacted, your Conference Disaster Coordinators may be able to partially reimburse your congregation for the extra expenses of response. These grants may be up to $3,000. These grants are intended to assist in the very earliest part of the response.
LTRG Seed Grant As the disaster response moves from immediate response into a recovery phase, most communities will form Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRG). Seed grants are available to those LTRG groups to support implementation and planning of the longer term response. It is very appropriate for the request for these grants to originate from a local pastor or congregation, the funding goes to fund the LTRG.
Recovery Grants As efforts transition from immediate response to the beginnings of recovery, congregations may find an opportunity for ministry to survivors in their community. The Recovery grants are intended to assist, concentrating on assistance to the poor, elderly, handicapped, and uninsured for long-term relief and reconstruction.