Baptist Convention of New England

BCNE Disaster Relief is totally dependent upon volunteers who give of their time, energy, talents and finances to assist others in a time of disaster. We work in partnership with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, other Baptist State Conventions, NAMB and a variety of government Emergency Management Agencies to bring relief, hope and the gospel to those in need. The ministry is led by the State Director, an employee of the BCNE. 

Within New England, there is a growing group of trained volunteers from churches and associations who are ready to respond to a disaster of any size anywhere.  Some of these churches and associations are seeking to develop or already own and operate their own equipment. Beyond New England, we cooperate with the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and 42 other state conventions that have similar ministries.  At the national level, Statements and Memorandums of Understanding are in place with American Red Cross (ARC), The Salvation Army (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Angels of Mercy (AOM) and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). 

New England services that can currently (or are being developed for implementation) be provided during a disaster response:
Teams
•    Chainsaw Teams
•    Mud-out Teams
•    Feeding Teams
•    Crisis Chaplains

•   Damage Assessment  

Mass Feeding
•    1 state unit capable of preparing up to 5,000 meals per day  
Showers
•    1 Associational unit with a total of 6 shower heads 
Communication Services
•    1 Associational unit command and control unit with satellite phone technology
•    Trained HAM operators with equipment
Services we are interested in developing:
•    More Chainsaw Teams
•    More Shower Units (which we would also like to utilize for non-disaster short-term mission projects / teams throughout New England Associations)
•    Several Operations Units capable of being used for Incident Command Centers
•    Child Care Teams
•    Feeding Teams
•    Water Purification Teams
Volunteer Requirements:
Because of agreements with national agencies and organizations, BCNE Disaster Relief has the following requirements for volunteers:
1.    Should be a member of a BCNE Southern Baptist Church, but we welcome other evangelical groups that are attached to our teams.
2.    Must be at least 18 years of age.
3.    Must have satisfactorily completed the training course, “Introduction to Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.”
4.    Must complete an application and be approved for service.
5.    Certain units may require criminal background checks (e.g. Childcare unit).
6.    Certain responsibilities may require background checks, motor vehicle checks and special licensing requirements.  (e.g. driver for any state equipment)
Volunteer Responsibilities: 
•    Responsible for own insurance coverage and medical expenses if injured or ill during activation.
•    Responsible for own transportation to and from activation site.
•    Must be able to follow instructions and guidelines from DR officials during a response.  Failure to do so will result in volunteer being instructed to return home.
Funding for Disaster Relief:

Since 1925 the Cooperative Program has been the lifeline of Southern Baptist Mission efforts. Over the years, it has provided equipment, training, and personnel for Disaster Relief.  Currently, the Cooperative Program funds State Director and some support positions for Disaster Relief and provides office and facility support to the ministry.

Currently we are attempting to write and seek grants to underwrite infrastructural equipment or additional units.

BCNE Disaster Relief is dependent upon churches and individuals who donate during a specific disaster response.  These funds are used directly in providing relief and assistance to the victims of a disaster.

BCNE Disaster Relief is also dependent upon generous churches and individuals who donate to the General Disaster Relief.  These funds are used to purchase new equipment and to expand the ministry.

History of BCNE Disaster Relief responses:
BCNE Disaster Relief began around 2000 when several trainers came to New England and then really started after 9/11/2001. With the help of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, through their sacrificial donation, the BCNE now has a large feeding unit (trailer).  New Englanders have responded to… 
•    Hurricane Ophelia in North Carolina in 2005
•    Flood in Keen NH
•    Mother’s Day flood in NH, 2006
•    Hurricane Katrina in MS, LA and feeding units in MA at Camp Edwards 2006
•    Buffalo, NY Ice Storm of 2006
•    Floods & Storm of Spring 2007 in NH & Maine