Serving those impacted by disasters

Are you called to serve those affected by disasters?

The I.F.O.C. has a dedicated team of Chaplains ready to respond with the ministry of presence and serve those impacted by catastrophic events, including survivors and other responding agencies. Our Disaster Response Team is trained and equipped to get involved in disaster relief work and deliver spiritual care. Discover the team’s latest news and how to join below.

Serving those impacted by disasters

Are you called to serve those affected by disasters?

Ready when disaster strikes

For those impacted by disaster, the sudden and profound loss of ‘normalcy’ can disrupt everything and turn their world upside down. That’s why we believe chaplains serve a vital role in providing spiritual care when disaster strikes.

This work is not for everyone. Answering the call to help impacted individuals, families, communities, first responders, and other relief workers cope can require much from spiritual care providers.

In addition to empathy and compassion, solid principles for practicing appropriate and respectful spiritual care are required.

Spiritual care in a disaster includes assisting individuals, families, or communities in drawing upon spiritual perspectives as a source of strength, hope, and healing.

Assessing and providing for the spiritual needs of people in crisis can rekindle hope and nurture resilience. Specific strategies for spiritual care during the various phases of disasters include many kinds of caring gestures. Understanding these strategies and how to apply them effectively is essential to bolstering strength, healing, and well-being in people impacted by disasters.

I.F.O.C. became a member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to connect with the nation’s most reputable national deployment organizations. This allows us to share knowledge and coordinate resources throughout the disaster cycle of preparation, response, and recovery.

Disaster Response Details and Resources

VOAD POINTS OF CONSENSUS

Understanding of, and adherence to, the National VOAD’s Disaster Spiritual Care Points of Consensus is a requirement for Chaplains responding to disasters on behalf of the I.F.O.C.

VOAD POINTS OF CONSENSUS

Program Requirements

Members of the I.F.O.C. Disaster Response Team must be a current I.F.O.C. Chaplain, and have additionally completed the Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention courses from I.C.I.S.F. and FEMA 100, 200, 700, & 800 courses.

Downloads

Disaster Response Application Disaster Response Guide

Uniform Policy

Deployment Details

Disaster Response Team members serve both virtually and physically at disaster scenes, as coordinated by I.F.O.C.’s disaster response partners. Members of the team are often responsible for their travel to and from the location.

I.F.O.C.’s partners often provide shelter and food during deployments. Specific details for each deployment are shared with interested Disaster Response Team members ahead of time.
Chaplains who volunteer to participate in individual deployments comprise I.F.O.C.’s Disaster Response Team.

Download the Application

I.F.O.C. also recognizes the following disaster deployment organizations that have extended offers for I.F.O.C. Chaplains to deploy with them. We recommend connecting with one of these partners if you are interested in disaster deployment Chaplaincy.