When emergency strikes — a call to care

In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, it is apparent that a new way of thinking about how to care for persons with disabilities is needed. We watched and listened with horror to accounts of persons being left to die because they were not physically able to get themselves to safety. And while it is easy to point fingers and talk about who was at fault, the better way is to say, never again. Never again will a person with a disability die in a catastrophe because no one was there to help. 

We are called by Christ to care for those who are marginalized. All too often, persons with disabilities are among those for whom we are supposed to care, but who get left behind. There are many ways we can reach out to those in our community who, too often, are overlooked. A ministry that cares for, and more importantly includes, persons with disabilities can be started by you!

Surely there are those in your congregation who know of neighbors who fall into this category.  Once you decide to begin a ministry that will assure the safety of those who will need help in time of emergency, you can begin to put a plan in place.

First, gather people who want to be part of this particular ministry. Then, brainstorm about ways to identify those who may need help in times of disaster. This may include asking the congregation to pay attention to their neighborhood and those within it who need assistance. Talk with local nursing homes. Leave a flyer at adult daycare centers. Ask the local rescue services if there are ways you can help in times of disaster. Once individuals are identified, go meet them! So often, we are afraid to talk with someone with a disability. We don’t know what to say, or how we are to act. But remember that a person with a disability is first and foremost a person! You may be surprised by how many common interests you share. Make friends. Most importantly, invite the person to church. As you get to know the person, talk about how you and the church can help in times of emergency. Will your new friend need special transportation? Are there considerations like making sure that the person has adequate supplies of medication? Does the person use a companion animal? Do not be afraid to ask just how you and the congregation can help. Be specific!

Even if you do not live in an area where hurricanes hit, do not be fooled into thinking that a catastrophe cannot affect your neighborhood. There are any manner of things that can happen which may result in the need for evacuation. How sad it would be if your neighbor could not evacuate because no one cared.