Jamie Aten with some excellent adive: How Churches Can Help Without Hurting After Super Typhoon Haiyan
Rule #1: Don't jump into action before you know the needs on the ground. ...
Keep Your Focus on the Survivors' Needs
... He shared with me that after the Exxon Valdez, many of the local communities were overwhelmed by the support that was provided from all over the world. ... However, they actually had people send barrels and barrels of summer clothes and even swimsuits. (You could imagine how much good that did in the wintery climate off the Alaskan coast.)
In the end, these communities were actually stuck with a $200,000 bill just to get rid of the clothes they could not use. ...
Understand Your Motivation for Wanting to Help
... Some people enjoy the community that comes after disaster work. Others want to be known for doing good. Others are called by their faith to do whatever it takes to help. I want to encourage you and your church to be the latter.
Volunteer, but Do Not be an SUV
I also want to encourage you and your churches not to self-deploy. Spontaneous uninvited volunteers (SUV) can create havoc at a disaster site and can even get in the way of those trained to offer specialized aid. ...
Join Forces and Support Local or Established Church and Aid Organizations
... Overall, our research has found that one of the most effective ways to help after a disaster is to make financial contributions to recognized aid organizations. Financial contributions make sure that the right assistance is available at the right time.
Needs on the ground also change rapidly and dollars can quickly be changed from a meal to supplies. I realize that we often like to give gifts and items. This is understandable. It makes us feel like we are more personally connected. We can sometimes even picture in our mind's eye someone getting the gift we have sent. ...
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