FEMA, together with Puerto Rico Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PRVOAD); Send Relief Puerto Rico; the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and other Federal agencies, hosted a workshop and networking session for houses of worship and community non-profit organizations in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, on December 15 in order to strengthen partnerships among the emergency management enterprise and shared best practices.
Topics of discussion focused on assistance eligibility requirements for places of worship and other non-profit organizations. Panelists covered a range of issues and participants received information about how to apply to other sources of recovery funding from federal agencies.
“Faith and community-based organizations are key partners before, during and after disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring we work across the federal family to facilitate the strengthening of relationships, sharing of resources and partnering together to help disaster survivors throughout Puerto Rico,” said Nancy Casper, Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Fiona.
“Having the opportunity to connect and learn from faith-based and community leaders ensures that FEMA continues to put people first throughout the recovery process, which includes connecting them to available resources across the federal government,” said Marcus Coleman, Director for the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
“This workshop was a great opportunity to share and connect with federal agencies like FEMA and partners on the island. Gatherings like these are crucial to building resilience and capacity, while strengthening partnerships – and that is what is most important to us,” said Rev. David Guadalupe, President, PRVOAD.
“Send Relief’s ultimate mission is to see lives changed and communities transformed by meeting tangible needs. We accomplish that in partnership with FEMA, houses of worship, NGOs and other community partners. We believe that we are stronger when we serve together,” said Jonathan Santiago, Director, Send Relief Puerto Rico.
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