Disaster Response

Scope of our Mission:
Traditionally, the United Methodist disaster response has been called a ministry of pastoral care. Over time, the response has become much broader and now constitutes a multifaceted ministry of Christ’s Church in the areas of theological, material, mental health, advocacy and social services designed to provide for the spiritual, emotional and physical recovery of disaster survivors and for the well-being of their caregivers.

Overall Disaster Response Strategy:

The Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference DRT is an “umbrella” entity, meaning that it directs physical resources where needed. It is not a “first responder” agency such as a fire department, EMS, or even the Red Cross. We are positioned to step into a situation typically in day two or three of an event and to provide near-term and long-term assistance as appropriate.