Uniting Churches in Disaster Relief

Katrina maintained hurricane strength 150miles inland and destroyed a path 200 miles wide

About Us

Servants Unite is a multidenominational, faith based organization coordinating the efforts of churches, school groups, and civic organizations in Ohio for disaster relief and community service.

· We provide volunteer labor and relief supplies to partner organizations hosting a relief effort.

· We do this by organizing churches through communications and logistics.

· Our goal is to shine the light of Christ on victims and volunteers around Ohio and around the nation.

How we work - We accept donations to cover expenses for transportation of volunteers, work vehicles, and relief supplies into the disaster zone. Food and accommodations are provided by the host church or organization in the disaster zone. Overnight food and accommodations are handled by churches in Tuscaloosa and Nashville. Volunteer's can join this effort and their only expense is some food on the road.

Where we've been - On September 6, 2005 with the TV news covering the dire conditions of those trapped in the Big Easy a few Ohio Christians decided they had to do something. From contacts in the disaster zone, they learned that the largest need was people who could help. On September 8, an appeal letter was sent out to a list of 300 email address and replicated around the country. On September 11, 2005, 21 volunteers left on the first team from Spring Road Church of Christ in Westerville, Ohio.

In 4 weeks time 160 people from Columbus, Canton, Dayton, Huntington WV, and Charlotte NC responded to that call and spent at least one week in Louisiana if not more. The group has shipped well over 100,000 pounds of relief supplies and collected funds to fully cover gas and travel expenses. God has been at work in an obvious way making things happen in this effort. At the end of our first year, we have sent 600 man weeks of labor in 20 teams total. God has been at work in an obvious way making things happen in this effort.

Where we are - The need is no less than it was in the initial days and weeks after the hurricanes struck the gulf coast area. We have a proven distribution system and organization for matching volunteers with residents who need help. As of July, 2007, we have sent 28 teams of more than 800 man weeks of labor. We have also helped build a local volunteer effort in Bucyrus after major summer flooding.

Where we're going - Short term, our intent is to continue sending the most precious commodity, volunteer labor, that is so short in supply. This may continue in the gulf coast area for months or years until there are enough local resources to clear debris and rebuild. We hope to continue to schedule at least monthly trips plus special trips for spring break and large groups.

Long term, our hope is to build a coalition of Christians who are willing to commit to volunteering in future disasters. This may be the next major hurricane next summer or the next local flood.

With the flood relief effort in Northern Ohio, the tables have turned and we are helping to organize help from the very people we have been serving in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Servants Unite!