Response Teams
At the center of TXCDR response operations are the Congregation's Response Teams, which are comprised of trained members who utilize TXCDR standard procedures to respond to disasters. We greatly appreciate when members of the Congregation volunteer to join a Response Team and receive training before a disaster occurs. By preparing during “blue-sky” times, we can accept more volunteers in the aftermath of a disaster. Still, we value our “spontaneous” volunteers who may not feel compelled to volunteer until a disaster strikes and the need becomes apparent. These volunteers possess varying degrees of skill and TXCDR training. They will work under the guidance of a TXCDR-trained Response Team leader whenever possible.
Our Response Teams are divided into four main categories: Compassionate Care, Sheltering, Home and Property, and Distribution.
Compassionate Care
Compassionate care is caring for the individual who has been impacted by the disaster. TXCDR Response Teams know they are not just working on a house but are serving a family whose whole life has been turned upside down. They take the time to listen to those affected by the disaster.
We offer emotional and spiritual support, empathy, encouragement, and hope.
Home & Property
Home and Property Response Teams assist homeowners handle the immediate demands for cleanup following a disaster. They remove damaged materials, help salvage items that can be saved, place tarps on roofs, and board up damaged windows. The Chainsaw Response Team helps cut up and remove downed trees.
Sheltering
During times of disaster when people need to evacuate their homes, Sheltering Response Teams offer shelter and assistance. TXCDR works with the American Red Cross to oversee these shelters. Additionally, TXCDR Response Teams are present at People Shelters, providing evacuees with laundry services, pet sheltering, and transportation.
We also encourage Congregations to offer accommodations to out-of-town volunteers who are assisting in the relief efforts.
Distribution
Handling emergency needs for supplies from food, formula, and diapers to cleaning supplies and building materials is the area of focus for our Donation Distribution Management Teams. Our Donation Distribution Management Teams coordinate supply drives collecting supplies for Donation Distribution Centers managed by TXCDR and others. Our Regional Warehouse Response Teams handle bulk materials, and our smaller Congregational Donation Distribution Center Teams collect donations and manage the distribution of supplies to the community.