presbyterian disaster assistance Archives

Presbyterians to host symposium on LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers

Posted September 5th, 2017

First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York is hosting a two-day symposium on the challenges facing LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers. The church, working alongside several ministries within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will host the gathering entitled “Love Welcome,” October 20-21.

Presbyterians continue recovery effort in Houston following Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey

Posted September 1st, 2017

The high water from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey may be subsiding, but the long-term threat in Texas is far from over. In the Houston area, emergency crews are still going door-to-door looking for people who may still be in their homes. As the water recedes the threat of mold and contaminated water supplies from local chemical plants and refineries continues to complicate recovery efforts.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance prepares to send national response team to Texas

Posted August 28th, 2017

Hurricane Harvey may have been downgraded, but the torrential rains are still pounding parts of Texas. Historic flooding has forced rivers and streams from their banks, submerged homes, churches, businesses and roads, stranding thousands of people.

Presbyterians mobilize to help the people of Texas recover after Hurricane Harvey

Posted August 27th, 2017

As news comes in on the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is organizing a response that will help sustain life and restore hope in the coming days.

Montana communities fight wildfires and severe drought conditions

Posted August 17th, 2017

“It’s bad, Dust Bowl bad.” That’s how Kathy Goodrich, co-general presbyter of the Yellowstone Presbytery, describes the impact of Montana wildfires this summer. Hot, dry conditions have proven costly for communities across the state as wildfires continue to spread.

Resources for congregations and pastors to stand against racism, white supremacy

Posted August 17th, 2017

Confession of Belhar, Facing Racism and other resources inspire Presbyterians to speak out during worship services against racist, neo-Nazi and white supremacist actions in Charlottesville.

Hundreds dead in Sierra Leone following flooding and mudslides in capital city

Posted August 16th, 2017

The search for bodies and survivors continues in the Sierra Leone capital of Freetown following heavy rains, flooding and mudslides. More than 300 people are known to have died after walls of mud crashed into homes and businesses during the early morning hours on Monday.

Presbyterians gather in Charlottesville to unite against hate groups

Posted August 14th, 2017

Opposition to white supremacist, KKK and neo-Nazi groups gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia for a “Unite the Right” rally over the weekend included several Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) clergy and members. The Rev. Ken Henry, of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, was one of the organizers of a Thursday prayer vigil that preceded the events of the weekend.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance issues appeal for South Sudan

Posted August 9th, 2017

Severe famine and ongoing fighting between ethnic groups have made survival difficult for millions of people in South Sudan. As a result of the deteriorating conditions, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has issued an appeal.

Volunteers still needed in the Carolinas from 2015/2016 flooding

Posted August 2nd, 2017

In October 2015, the South Carolina coastline was pummeled by heavy rains and flooding. A year later, Hurricane Matthew caused havoc in North Carolina damaging thousands of homes and businesses. But despite immediate response by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and a number of other agencies, the need for clean up and repair continues in both states.