Lesli Remaly-Netter, Keith Adams, Jack Cobb and Kevin Smith talk VOAD, FEMA and governmental resources during COVID-19

On March 27, 2020 Episcopal Relief & Development hosted a conversation between Keith Adams, Executive Director for NJ VOAD and a Partner in Response and Resilience for Episcopal Relief & Development, Kevin Smith from DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives, Lesli Remaly-Netter from FEMA Region IV VAL, and Jack Cobb from The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations about utilizing governmental and non-governmental resources to support congregations and other non-profit institutions. Listen below. Check out the SBA Faith-based FAQ sheet.

Please be advised that the House of Representatives has just passed the phase III bill. This means that the information shared in this audio recording may change.

There are many resources for non-profits and faith-based organizations. Learn more about general disaster assistance. There are couple of programs that can be useful for your congregation or community organization:

  • Small Business Association (SBA) Loans
  • Dislocated Worker Grants can be used to employ furloughed workers who do humanitarian work during disasters.
  • Public Assistance Funding: In the webinar the panelists discussed the Category B Emergency Protective measures where you may be working with government to perform a task, i.e. feeding emergency responders. This cannot be something that you do on your own, but in coordination with your local government officials. Learn more
  • Career One Stop provides employment and unemployment resources. Learn more
  • Getting families connected to the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) and D-SNAP (available after a disaster) is a great way to support those experiencing food insecurity. Lean more
  • Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) are a wonderful point of contact to help communities understand the complicated systems related to disaster response and recovery.
  • Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a great resource for learning more about organizations that are working in your area to respond.
  • Connect with your state or local emergency management systems. If you are a member of The Episcopal Church, please contact your Diocesan Disaster Coordinator (DDC). For assistance contacting your DDC, email usdisaster@episcopalrelief.org.
  • If you want to better understand the COVID-19 legislation, its process and its implications please connect with the Office of Government Relations.

 

Listen to more recordings

Visit the Office of Government Relations webpage