What is the Disaster Recovery Ministry?

The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church established the Conference Disaster Response Ministry in 2004. It composed of Methodist volunteers, both laity and ministers and has several focus groups and training. The Disaster Recovery Ministry is staffed only during disasters and is located in the Connectional Ministries at the Conference Headquarters in Simpsonwood (Norcross). The Disaster Recovery Ministry serves as a central location for communication with conference staff, district offices, district disaster coordinators and case managers and is staffed by volunteers.

How do I reach the Disaster Recovery Ministry?

Messages can be left at the Conference phone number, 678-533-1399, or by e-mail at myoder@ngdisasterresponse.org.

What does the Disaster Recovery Ministry do during the relief effort?  

There are a variety of teams with a diversity of focuses (assessment, chain saw, shelter teams, etc.) that response to disaster under the direction of the Conference Disaster Response Ministry.  Typically these teams are involved for short periods of time and other teams are rotated in after them.  Also, Disaster Recovery volunteers receive phone calls from individuals and teams who call to volunteer their time, trucks, materials and supplies. These are matched with disaster work teams and their skills with people and situations in need of help.

Who identifies needs?

Needs are identified by district disaster response coordinators, case managers and local churches. District disaster coordinators and district teams work to identify individuals and communities that need help in a disaster. Local churches identify vulnerable populations within their congregation and community that have been affected by disaster.

Why should my team call the Conference Disaster Response Ministry?

The Conference Disaster Response Ministry can direct teams to work sites where they are most needed. This helps avoid confusion and duplication of efforts for the local church and community that needs help. This ministry, whenever possible, communicates with the local church and community to let them know that help is on the way.

What training is available through the Disaster Response Ministry?

• Early Response Team training is available through the conference at various locations throughout the year. Teams have to attend training in order to obtain their ID's. The ID's are required in the Emergency Stage and at some other locations..
• Shelter Team training must be obtained before a disaster as there is no time to train afterward.
• Childcare training must be obtained before a disaster. See training schedule provided within
• Disaster Work Team and Feeding team training. See training schedule provided within.
• Team Leader training goes into team leadership and some of the liability issues that might arise.  See training schedule provided within
• Case Management training: UMCOR consultants provide training for individuals who desire to volunteer their time to assist individuals and families in need. Volunteer case managers work with Long-term Recovery Committees established in local communities and assist staff case managers

What is the goal of the Disaster Recovery Ministry in long-term recovery?

The goal of the Disaster Recovery Ministry is to work cooperatively with local long-term recovery organizations by:

·        Providing case management, training and supervision in areas where help is needed and requested.

·        Receiving and coordinating volunteer work team assignments.

·        Identifying situations where volunteer work teams are needed to help rebuild.

·        Overseeing construction in rebuilding damaged homes.

·        Assisting with procurement of materials, funding and technical supervision.

·        Scheduling training and workshops.