Disaster Response Archives

PC(USA) delegation visits church partners in Philippines

Posted September 22nd, 2016

Between October 15 and November 8, 2013, the Philippines received a one-two punch of natural disasters. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Bohol and then weeks later Typhoon Haiyan makes landfall on the islands of Samar and Leyte. By the time it was over, more than 6,000 people were killed and millions were left homeless.

Church urges Obama administration to increase U.S. resettlement of refugees

Posted September 2nd, 2016

Joining more than 100 faith-based communities and other national, state and local organizations, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) signed a letter urging President Obama to demonstrate global leadership by making bold new commitments to refugee protection, assistance and solutions. The letter was sent to the President on August 29 in advance of the Leaders Summit on Refugees, to be held September 20 in New York City.

Fire destroys Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia

Posted August 31st, 2016

For more than a century, the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church stood tall in the city’s Overbrook neighborhood. Now only the charred outer walls of the building remain after fire raged through the church early Monday morning.

Presbyterian Mission Agency Board to direct offering to General Assembly initiative

Posted August 26th, 2016

The executive committee of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted August 25 to direct designatable funds from its fall board meeting’s Peace & Global Witness offering to the “On Taking Specific Action to Address the Worsening Plight of the African American Male” initiative.

Residents and aid groups say Gulf flooding has been overwhelming

Posted August 26th, 2016

Cleanup continues in the aftermath of devastating flooding in the Gulf Region, two weeks ago. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is on the ground providing assistance to the Presbytery of South Louisiana, working together with local and national partners, to meet immediate and long terms needs.

Charleston residents still reeling 10 months after historic flooding

Posted August 23rd, 2016

hile residents begin the recovery effort from catastrophic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and parts of Mississippi, the people of Charleston, South Carolina are still dealing with the impact of their historic flooding.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance deploys National Response Team in the wake of Gulf flooding

Posted August 19th, 2016

In the aftermath of catastrophic flooding in the Gulf region, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is providing assistance to the Presbytery of South Louisiana and reached out to the Presbytery of Mississippi. PDA has approved two grants to be used to address community needs.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to Baton Rouge and Gulf flooding

Posted August 18th, 2016

Our hearts, prayers and thoughts go out to the people of Baton Rouge and communities in the Gulf region in the wake of catastrophic flooding and loss of life. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has deployed its National Response Team members at the invitation of the presbytery.

Churches embrace Olympic refugee team, other athletes

Posted August 18th, 2016

As many in the world observed and cheered the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, church leaders spoke out in support of the Olympic refugee team and the place of public honor it offered for refugees competing in the games.

New Jersey church closes volunteer village for Hurricane Sandy relief

Posted August 16th, 2016

In the nearly four years since Hurricane Sandy struck the United States, volunteer work teams from across the country have traveled to the hard hit regions, particularly New Jersey and New York, to help people recover and return to their homes. But after countless days, weeks and months of hosting teams, one church believes the time has come to close the doors on its Sandy relief efforts.