Disaster Response Services
CAM's Disaster Response Services (DRS) reaches out to communities in the United States that have been devastated by disasters.
Disaster Response Services
Rebuilding projects
If long-term recovery help is needed in a disaster area, our Disaster Response Services (DRS) program sets up a base, and we schedule volunteer work teams to rebuild homes. Recipients are those who are underinsured, low-income, and have nowhere else to turn for help. DRS rebuilding projects can last from several months to several years, providing opportunities for our staff and volunteers to build relationships and show Christ’s love to people in the United States.
Rapid Response Services
Cleanup projects
Rapid Response Services offers cleanup services to individuals and communities affected by natural disasters. Rapid Response teams in various locations in the U.S. facilitate quick response to disasters close to home. The goal of a Rapid Response team is to move into a community within 24 hours to investigate the damages and to bring in volunteers within 48 hours to help with preliminary cleanup. Volunteers help cut up trees, remove debris, clean out flooded houses, and install tarps on damaged roofs.
Search & Rescue
“to seek and to save” (Luke 19:10)
Each day an average of 136 people go missing in the United States. Many places lack the expertise and equipment to locate missing persons. To help fill this need, CAM has launched Search & Rescue as an arm of Rapid Response Services.
Projects to date
Houses rebuilt or repaired
Volunteers
Cleanup and rebuilding projects
Hours of labor
Rapid Response projects
Current projects in 2017
| Albany, GA | Tornado | Jan 3-5 |
| Monte Rio, CA | Flooding | Jan 14 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | Tornado | Jan 23-24 |
| Thomasville & Albany, GA | Tornado | Jan 23-Feb 24 |
| San Jose, CA | Flood | Feb 25-Mar 11 |
| Hellam York, PA | Tornado | Feb 27-Mar 1 |
| Cocalico, PA | Tornado | Feb 27-Mar 6 |
| Perrysville, MO | Tornado | Feb 28-Mar 4 |
| Cottage Grove, TN | Wind | 42795 |
| Fort Branch, IN | Tornado | 42797 |
| St. Joe, Parthenon, Big Flat, AR | Tornado | Mar 3-10 |
| Dekalb, TX | Fire | Mar 7 |
| Oak Grover, MO | Tornado | Mar 7-9 |
| Marys Home, MO | Tornado | Mar 8 |
| Dorchester, WI | Tornado | Mar 9 |
| Decaturville, TN | Tornado | Mar 30-31 |
| Leesburg, OH | Tornado | Mar 23 |
| Ellaville, GA | Tornado | April 5-7 |
| Hasty, AR | Tornado | April 5 |
| Marshallville, GA | Tornado | April 27-28 |
| Harrison, AR | Flood | May 2-3 |
| Eustace, TX | Tornado | May 1-5 |
| Kilmichael, MS | Tornado | May 5 |
| Thomasville, MO | Flood | May 4-18 |
Updates from the field
Puerto Rico in survival mode after Hurricane Maria
Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean, the island is still reeling. “Puerto Rico is in survival mode,” reported Rapid Response team member Leroy Heatwole who is helping to assess damages. Most of the island of 3.4...
read more
CAM assesses damages in Puerto Rico
CAM Rapid Response team members are in Puerto Rico investigating damages to see how we can best help. Before leaving, the team had spoken with a mission pilot who was the first to land in the capital city San Juan after Hurricane Maria. “The needs are unbelievable,”...
read more
Puerto Rico Battered by Hurricane Maria
Update: A week after Hurricane Maria left a path of destruction in Puerto Rico, the situation is looking dismal. In one place that took a direct hit from the hurricane, residents are saying they have been without fresh water for days. Neighbors are sharing food as it...
read moreNotes from our mailbox
I went back to see the damage to my home and saw that everything that was on the floor…was ruined and getting moldy. I didn’t know where to start or what to do, then a man named John Beiler came to my door and told me of Christian Aid Ministries. I just cried with relief.
Words simply cannot express my gratitude…You literally saved my home. There is no way I coud have gotten through this without your help, emotionally or physically. You are a God-send and I think you are really angels.
You all ministered in more ways than just cutting tree limbs and dragging them to the street. All of you were such a great testimony to all my family.
We can never thank you enough for helping us through a difficult time in Clendenin, West Virginia. The wonderful team. . . worked so hard and prayed with us before leaving. . . We will always be grateful.
How can you help?
If you wish to help fund rebuilding and cleanup projects, please use the contribution form below.
Disaster Response Services/Rapid Response
Sign up to receive our print newsletter
Read stories of lives that have been changed through Disaster Response Services cleanup and rebuilding projects when you sign up to receive our free newsletter. Each semiannual issue includes recipient stories, program statistics, and new program developments.
