by Glenn Maddox

“If you need to feed people during a disaster, a group called the Baptist General Association of Virginia is one of your best options.” That was the assessment of Marcus Coleman, director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, when he spoke to a group of disaster response experts this spring.

In March, the Virginia Emergency Management Association (VEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) hosted their annual symposium in Newport News, bringing government, faith-based, and other nonprofit groups together to reflect on “The Day After Tomorrow – Are We Prepared?” For faith groups like BGAV’s Impact Disaster Response who attended, one of the highlights was a presentation by Coleman. He, along with leaders from the Virginia Department of Health and the Fairfax Department of Emergency Management, shared about ways they have responded alongside faith-based organizations to prior crisis situations. He spoke of Operation Allies Welcome, when groups including BGAV churches provided supplies and support to refugees from Afghanistan, and several local events where houses of worship became centers for disaster response and recovery.  

Presenters also shared about resources available to churches through FEMA, state agencies, and localities. Churches can receive training in crisis response, assess and address security needs at their church, and access funds to improve security through FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Congress authorized the 2024 NSGP in March, but for groups who had not already started, it was likely too late to apply.  

So this November, at BGAV’s annual meeting, Impact Disaster Response is offering two breakouts for churches to learn about the grant and church security actions they can take. By starting the process this year, BGAV churches will be able to identify threats and prepare a plan to improve security and secure funding to help them do so. The grant administrator and security assessment experts will lead, alongside Impact Disaster Response leadership.  

Plan to participate in the Disaster Response and Security Track this November and discover the resources you need to secure your facility and partner with local agencies to serve your community when it needs you most.