Disaster Response

One Great Hour of Sharing gifts transform lives far and near

Even before Hurricane Maria made landfall in September 2017, the Rev. Edwin González-Castillo and other Presbyterian leaders in Puerto Rico received promises of help from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).

Electric substation fire in San Juan throws weary Puerto Rico residents in dark again

The long, slow return to reliable electric service in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria suffered a setback on Sunday when an explosion and fire rocked an electric substation. Most of the northern part of the U.S. territory was affected. Authorities say it could take a couple of days to fully restore power.

Kentucky school shooting deaths shock small town

The shooting deaths of two high school students in the small western Kentucky town of Benton have left residents and surrounding communities in shock. Teachers, parents, faith and government leaders have spent the past few days trying to determine the cause as well as solutions to the violence.

Southern California communities devastated by recent mudslides

Residents of Montecito, Ventura and Santa Barbara are still reeling from the recent mudslides that have left residents dead, injured and homeless. Sticky sludge and mud can be seen up to the rooftops in homes along the pathway of destruction in Santa Barbara. Witnesses say the rocks, trees, boulders and houses came plowing through the communities in a matter of seconds.

New documentary addresses Flint, Michigan water crisis

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has released a trailer for a new documentary currently in production on the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The film, entitled “Flint”, focuses on the health issues surrounding high levels of lead in the city’s water system.

Presbyterian church helps members cope with high school shooting in New Mexico

The small community of Aztec, New Mexico, is still reeling from last week’s shooting at a local high school that left two students and the alleged gunman dead. San Juan County authorities say William Atchison, 21, planned the attack at Aztec High School and had purchased a 9mm Glock last month.

Presbyterian churches reach out to communities affected by California wildfires

It’s been a week since wildfires broke out in southern California and the fires are still raging out of control. There are currently six separate wildfires burning. The Thomas fire, which started in Ventura County, is the worst of the six and is now the fifth-largest wildfire in California history, according to fire officials.

Deeply discounted merchandise ministry a boon to churches and nonprofits

I arrived at Ferncliff late at night, eager to hear of the camp and conference center’s new exploits but exhausted from the journey. I settled down to sleep not knowing that the comfortable mattress was my first introduction to Ferncliff’s Sharing the Goods ministry partnership with Good360.