Emergency Preparedness Response and Recovery
When disaster strikes, CWS’ Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery program ensures that our most vulnerable neighbors receive the support they need as they rebuild their lives.
At times, this support comes in the form of our CWS Kits and Blankets, which helps individuals meet their basic needs and gives them the materials needed to clean up in the aftermath of a disaster. Other times, our support comes in the form of valuable knowledge. We bring our expertise in working with immigrants and refugees to the table to ensure that they are given a seat in all steps of the response and recovery process. Whether that’s by ensuring culturally sensitive meals are provided or providing translated informational materials, we make sure no one is left behind.
In the wake of the storm, we're stronger when we stand together. Join us.
How CWS Responds to Natural Disasters
To support CWS in responding to disasters in the U.S. and around the world, donate here.
Latest Updates
Harvesting Through the Storm
As natural disasters grow in frequency and intensity, the devastating effects of climate change are becoming impossible to overlook. While some may still manage to turn a blind eye, the most vulnerable among us often face the brunt of these impacts. This is certainly true for migrant workers who nurture the land and are also on the frontline when witnessing …
1,700 Buckets Bring Hope After Hurricanes
Imagine you’re living in an area reeling from the aftermath of a hurricane. You don’t have electricity or a way to contact loved ones. The food in your refrigerator has expired after a few short days, and you’re unsure where to go for the critical supplies your family needs. How would you navigate the uncertainty with limited resources and no …
Hope in Action: 500 Cleanup Buckets for Hurricane Relief
Living out their mission of service, the Southern Ohio Brethren Disaster Ministries recently assembled 500 CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets in a community effort that continues their long-standing tradition of supporting those affected by disasters. Inspired by the scripture “Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13), the group, led by Burt and Helen Wolf, works year-round to organize fundraisers and rally …
Situation Report: Hurricane Helene
Update: CWS’ response has expanded to include communities impacted by Hurricane Milton. Learn more about our most up-to-date response efforts here. Situation: On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm and carved a devastating path from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Tennessee. Since then, the massive surge has resulted in power outages for millions of individuals …
Hope After Helene: CWS Emergency Response
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the full extent of the devastation is still being uncovered. With over 130 confirmed fatalities, widespread flooding and millions without power, communities across the Southeast are facing long-term recovery efforts. Thousands of homes have sustained major structural damage or been destroyed, and federal disaster declarations have been issued in several states, including Florida and …
Preparing Vulnerable Communities for Natural Disasters
During September, which is also National Preparedness Month, CWS’ Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery (EPRR) team dedicated its time to equipping vulnerable communities in northern California with the knowledge and tools they need to survive a disaster. September is also a wildfire season, making the timing of these trainings ideal for those who participated. CWS’ EPRR Senior Program Officer, Melissa …
A Wedding Dress & 300 DVDs
My wedding dress and 300 DVDs. That is all I had when we evacuated our home. It’s what I had left of my belongings after our home and all of our possessions burned in the wildfire. On the Saturday morning of September 12, 2015, I watered my garden full of amazing vegetables that were almost ripe enough to harvest, while …
How to Prepare for Natural Disasters (Available in Multiple Languages)
OTHER LANGUAGES: ESPAÑOL, UKRAINIAN (УКРАЇНСЬКА), DARI, PASHTO (پښتو), ARABIC (عربي), FRENCH, HAITIAN CREOLE, KINYARWANDA, SWAHILI Are you prepared in the event of a disaster? Have you made an emergency kit? Does your family have a plan? September is National Preparedness Month. Here are some tips for how to prepare for any disaster— for more information and more resources, visit ready.gov! …
Reflection on a Life Changing Moment
Over 15 years ago in a ‘flash’ my life changed both figuratively and literally. It’s a cool spring evening in May with plenty of stars lighting up the night sky in the rural highlands of Guatemala. My wife and I are living in a small home on the hillside just outside of town. We’ve been in Guatemala for over a …
Finding Hope After Disaster Strikes
On July 7, 2024, Hurricane Beryl struck the Texas coast as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing heavy rains, high winds and widespread power outages that left over two million people in the dark. Flood warnings were posted along the coast, and high winds and water caused widespread damage and debris for millions. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, CWS …