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
Situation Report: Hurricane Helene
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 across several states, several thousands of which are still without power. Thousands of homes have sustained major structural damage or been …
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 …
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 …
Finding Home in a Tornado
Anytime a child decides to leave their home and make the often treacherous journey to begin a safer life in the United States, they showcase bravery far beyond their age. What many of us don’t realize, however, is that their courage does not end there. We were reminded of this when we met Ana and Marta who recently braved something …
Reflections on the NVOAD Conference
This May, CWS’ Emergency Preparedness Response and Recovery (EPRR) team participated in the annual National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) conference. Below are reflections from each of the EPRR team members: Zach Wolgemuth, EPRR Program Director: Though I’ve attended over a dozen National VOAD Conferences throughout my career this specific conference was special because it was my first conference …
A Lesson In Emergency Response and Relationship Building
I’m bouncing around in the back of a 1970’s-style Jeep while rocks are falling from the hillside above, and I’m trying not to glance at the sheer cliff below. There are no guardrails, no passing zones, just a one-way path recently cut into the side of the mountain thousands of feet above the valley floor. I’m certain that the freshly-bulldozed …
The Power of Partnerships: A Christmas Blessing
The following was part of the 2023 Christmas greeting from CWS’ Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Team. “In the EPRR program, this year has reflected one of CWS’ original missions, ‘to do in partnership what none of us could hope to do as well alone.’” These words speak to the power of partnerships supported by CWS. In the fall of …