Is disaster assistance provided by faith-based and community organizations any different from aid provided by governmental agencies?
Some say that faith-based organizations are inherently different and can deliver services in ways that public agencies simply can’t. But all faith-based and community organizations are not alike. Some are small, locally-based, independent organizations. Others belong to larger affiliates or umbrella organizations. Some are congregationally based and not primarily social service providers, but may have prior experience in providing services that they can apply in disasters. Some deliver services very similar to those delivered by secular organizations or public agencies. Others rise to the occasion in the moment of disaster and aren’t likely to keep offering services once the disaster ends. By identifying different types of FBCO responders and different models of response, we hope to show how FBCOs can interact with each other and with government to provide more effective disaster assistance. For instance, we know that disaster relief can rely on vertical cooperation—like that between a
Related Questions
- What law applies when federal funds are provided through vouchers to non-government agencies, including faith-based ones?
- Has the need for different types of services provided by Catholic Charities agencies changed over time?
- Are governmental agencies and non-profit organizations also required to conduct training?
