Major disasters such as hurricanes have taught us the value of partnerships. Effective disaster preparation requires a coalition of public, private, and faith-based organizations working collectively toward the mission of creating disaster resilient and sustainable communities. Partnerships can increase the capacities of parishes and enhance disaster safety and resiliency throughout the Diocese. This Lessons Learned page is designed to highlight the contributions, experiences and lessons learned from parishioners and clergy who have heeded the calls for help in times of disaster.
“There is Always Room!”
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Some of us may have experienced an unexpected visit from a family member in crisis asking us to put them up for a while, but what would you do if over one hundred strangers knocked at the door and asked for shelter? The Rev. George Gennuso, Jr., Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church of Pineville, Louisiana and his parishioners opened the doors of the church and welcomed them all in.
Pict 1 Left -Stephanie Mabou & the Rev. George Gennuso, Jr—Pict 2 Middle-Martha Herron shows Stephanie classroom used as sleeping and common area—Pict 3 Right-Outdoor recreation area
“There was no written plan. We just did what had to be done.” Fr. Gennuso said. Though there was no formal plan in place, there were several pre-event actions that made these acts of charity possible. First and foremost was the parish’s commitment to working faith. “St. Michaels is a church that is busy doing the Lord’s work. We embrace passionately The Great Commission to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and love the unlovable.” The congregation believed it was their Christian duty to provide shelter and loving support to those forced out of their homes by the storms.
The following are some informal pre-event mechanisms the church had in place that allowed them to effectively respond:
- An update-to-date communications system. They had current email addresses and phone numbers which made it easy to make mass request for supplies, volunteer support and other resources.
- Established relationships with businesses and vendors in their community which allowed them to get cots and supplies from the local thrift store as well as vital medications from local pharmacies.
- Established relationships with other churches in the area. By staying in contact with other churches providing shelter and support, Fr. Gennuso was able to be aware of community-wide support efforts and most importantly, he was able to learn which practices were working well and which pitfalls to avoid.
Lessons Learned
Fr. Gennuso explained that the following were some very valuable lessons learned from the church’s sheltering experience:
- Regarding the shelter environment
- Use some type of registration form so you can know a little bit about those being sheltered.
- Communicate the rules early and enforce them so everyone knows what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior. One shelter resident was asked to leave for refusing to abide by the rules.
- Give shelter residents chores and tasks to complete so they can take ownership. Participating in tasks such as cooking and cleaning made the residents feel useful and it helped to pass the time.
- If possible try not to separate families. At a time when all they have is each other, it can be very unsettling for families to be asked to live in different places.
- Regarding volunteer and support staff
- Try and recruit more volunteers then you think you need to allow for 24 hour staffing
- Organize a schedule that with breaks and down time. Sometimes volunteers will get so focused they may not get the rest they need to stay energized.
- Sometimes shelter residents will have transportation needs so it’s good to try and recruit volunteers who can provide transportation.
- Know the gifts and talents of your parishioners doctors, nurses and other skilled volunteers can be vital assets during this time.
When asked if he and his parishioners would be willing to do it all again, Fr. Gennuso emphatically said “Yes!” He said they have done some remolding of the shelter space which included adding additional showers and bathrooms. They have also acquired a generator and surplus linen and supplies. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church of Pineville, Louisiana is ready to once again open the doors of the church and welcome all in need.