Addressing the Inequality of Disasters: The Role of Faith-based Organizations in Disaster Response and Recovery

Abstract

Disasters have a significant global impact every year and disproportionally effect vulnerable populations. Disaster response efforts are often inequitable leaving already vulnerable populations at risk. These inequities in disaster response represent a social justice concern for congregations and congregational social workers and must be considered in future disaster recovery efforts. As churches and faith organizations provide essential disaster response and recovery services, this article outlines a model for increased inequity in provision of disaster response and recovery efforts. A case illustration using the COVID-19 pandemic is provided for further exploration of the equitable disaster response model in the context of congregations and congregational social work.