Chaplains help crisis survivors take their first steps to spiritual and emotional recovery. Every unit is encouraged to have a chaplain, both to care for those we meet and those who serve. Steps in becoming a DR Chaplain

Children’s Response teams set up temporary child care centers following an emergency. By providing a safe and caring place for children 7 and younger, these teams help children move toward recovery after the trauma of a disaster.

Mobile trailers with individual shower stalls, dressing areas, and water heaters provide clean showers for the survivors as well as the volunteers aiding in the disaster response. Similarly, laundry unit volunteers wash and dry clothes for volunteers and/or survivors.

When phone lines go down, our communications unit gives DR leaders the ability to stay in touch with other leaders in our DR network as well as with other agencies working in the disaster area, via HAM radio and satellite resources.

These volunteers assess the damage to homes from hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, and floods. Assessors gather information and help to prioritize jobs. They are often the first ones to connect with homeowners after a disaster.

After major wildfires, these teams help homeowners remove ash and debris and recover personal belongings.

Experienced volunteers manage the operations, logistics, and administrative tasks involved in a disaster response. They are based in Disaster Recovery Centers, also known as Command Posts, which serve as coordination and housing sites for the teams serving within an area of the disaster.

These recovery teams remove trees, limbs, and brush from driveways, roofs, and yards. The teams include people who know how to use chainsaws, as well as those who can pick up and pile the debris.

Mass Feeding teams use mobile kitchen units to prepare and serve food for residents who don’t have electricity to cook at home, or for shelter residents. Fixed Kitchen Feeding teams use a church kitchen to provide meals for volunteer teams staying at the Disaster Recovery Center (command post).

Flood recovery teams remove water-damaged flooring, carpet, and sheetrock for homeowners, to dry out and sanitize the home to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Rebuilding what was lost requires a variety of skill sets and a flexible team. Rebuild teams help with construction tasks — replacing floors, walls, and roofs.