From Episcopal Relief & Development:
Lessons From Katrina And How To Help After A Disaster
by The Reverend David Knight, Rector of St. Simon's Episcopal Church in Fort Walton Beach, FL
The
12th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina was last week, coinciding with
the landfall of Hurricane Harvey and now Irma. In this blog, the Rev.
David Knight offers a reflection on how he and his community recovered
from this catastrophic disaster. As we respond to immediate and
long-term needs during an intense hurricane season, Father Knight shares thoughtful tips and lessons for anyone who wants to help communities impacted by the storms.
August
29th always brings with it painful memories and a feeling deep in my
soul that is hard to describe. Although 12 years have passed since
Hurricane Katrina, the memories are still fresh and especially poignant
with the devastation in Texas and Louisiana from Hurricane Harvey.
St. Patrick's in Long Beach, Mississippi where I was the rector was completely washed away by Hurricane Katrina,
but the church remained. As you know, the church is the people, the
body of Christ and while we were slam dunked with the breath knocked out
of us, we were lifted up by the outpouring of support we received,
especially from the faith community, including many of you!
I
wanted to offer a few suggestions regarding ways to help after such
disasters. Some of these were learned, literally, the hard way. I offer
them in love and thanksgiving for all who open up their hearts in any
way to those in need.
1. LISTEN TO FOLKS ON THE GROUND
First
of all, it is imperative we listen to the folks on the ground about
what they need the most. At this stage, they are simply trying to keep
people alive and as frustrating and helpless as that may feel to us,
until they ask for volunteers to show up, we serve them better by
waiting. One of the most difficult things we had to deal with was having
volunteers show up with big hearts and great intentions, but with no
way to sustain themselves and looking for us to provide them food and
shelter. The people of Texas and Louisiana will need help and they will
need it for a long time, longer than we might even imagine at this
point. This is a marathon for sure. They will let us know when they want us and how we can best help and what we need to bring.
2. DON'T SEND CLOTHES, DO SEND MONETARY DONATIONS
Please
don't send clothes. Managing the mountains (and they were actual
mountains) of donated clothes was a huge burden, and as kind-hearted as
people were much of what was sent was unusable. From a church
perspective, I cannot tell you how many sets of old choir robes and even
very heavy, wool chasubles were sent! Those in need may ask for
specific items, but the best way to help with food and clothing right
now is by sending monetary donations. And especially as local businesses
are able to reopen, spending money in the community will be an enormous
help locally.
3. GO WITH TRUSTED PARTNERS
Episcopal
Relief & Development was an amazing partner for us. I trust them
completely. They supported our establishment of Camp Coast Care as a
place for volunteers to come and be fed and sheltered as they worked in
the community. Once such places are established in Texas and West Texas,
I am sure many of you will be able to join in the recovery effort.
Katrina was one of the first domestic disasters Episcopal Relief &
Development faced after changing from their former name, The Presiding
Bishop’s Fund for World Relief, which was more of a charity model. Over
the years, they have increased their capability and staffing for
domestic disasters greatly, with a strong focus on disaster preparedness
training and are ready to help.
Donations
to the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas and Texas directly can help
tremendously as well. They will also know exactly what kind of support
the clergy and lay leadership need and how best to manage it. Let us not
forget the absolute destruction of the coastal areas in the Diocese of
West Texas, a different kind of disaster than the horrific flooding in
the Houston area. Their needs will be somewhat different and I hope they
continue to receive much attention.
It
goes without saying we all need to be praying. I have no doubt that
soon they will experience what we did after Katrina, the incredible
generosity of thousands of people who will share their gifts of time,
money, talent and love. God bless you all.
Resources
Stay updated on Hurricane Harvey Response: episcopalrelief.org/harvey
Stay updated on Hurricane Irma Response: episcopalrelief.org/irma
Check out Episcopal Relief & Development's Preparedness Resources for disaster preparedness tips
The Rev. David Knight is the Rector of St. Simon’s Episcopal Church in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
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