PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (PDA)
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the emergency and refugee program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It enables our congregations and mission partners to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events. Find an interactive world map with OGHS recipients at www.pcusa.org/oghsmap.
National aid:
25 states received help following natural and human-caused disasters, including flooding in North and South Carolina, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan and New York; wildfires in California, Tennessee, Texas and Kansas; ongoing response to Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Matthew; and various public violence incidents.
Flint water crisis:
PDA is assisting in Flint by supporting the annual Fresh Flint Festival, a free event for the community to support city residents while promoting fitness, nutrition, and healthy living as a means to mitigate the effects of lead poisoning. The festival is designed to unite the community in compassion and renew commitment and hope for the future.
Fall 2017 Hurricanes:
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria devastated islands in the Caribbean and communities in the U.S. PDA will be doing long-term recovery and is expected to assist the affected areas for at least 3-5 years, if not longer.
North and South Carolina flooding:
In October 2015, the South Carolina coastline was pummeled by heavy rains and flooding. A year later, Hurricane Matthew caused havoc in North Carolina damaging thousands of homes and businesses. There were flooded areas in both states that had never flooded before. PDA has 6 volunteer host sites that have hosted over 3,400 volunteers to assist with cleanup and rebuilding.
International aid:
In the first half of 2017, 11 countries received aid and support after catastrophic events, including the violence and famine in South Sudan, flooding in Peru and Colombia, cholera prevention and food security in Haiti, drought in Malawi and Kenya, and ongoing assistance for refugees and internally displaced persons related to Syria.
Syria:
With the support of PDA, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon has opened five schools in Syrian refugee camps, which are hosting over 300 students. Homes in Homs are being rebuilt so that displaced families who fled their embattled city can return to begin the hard work of rebuilding their shattered city and broken neighborhoods.
South Sudan:
PDA is working with Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency, the humanitarian arm of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, to provide large-scale emergency relief projects for South Sudanese displaced persons and refugees, as well as supporting livelihood and food security, peace building, and education for civil society.
