About the Disaster Response Ministry

Work team in New Orleans, September 2011

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Mission Statement

The Ohio Conference Disaster Response Ministry seeks to bring relief and assistance to all people who experience loss in times of disaster through the resources and commitment to Christian servanthood by the members of the United Church of Christ.

How the Team Works

The Ohio Conference Disaster Response Team has been in existence for about fifteen years.  It is composed of a director, co-director, several managers representing different Associations, and about 60 trained local church coordinators.  

The general working process is to identify the needs of disaster victims and, by sharing those needs with local churches, develop an effective response.  Team members visit disaster locations, assess needs and work with other agencies (FEMA, Red Cross, other church organizations, etc.) to provide immediate and long-term help.

Work team in West Virginia repairing a roof, July 2011

The directors and Association managers recruit local church coordinators, train and support them, and guide them as they organize work groups and carry out disaster response projects.  Local coordinators are essential to provide effective response.  They know their congregation's skills, availability and resources and are in position to organize responders.

Team members also take care of the mud-out trailer owned by the Disaster Response Ministry and handle many of the logistics involved in storing, picking up and delivering the disaster kits.

Mud-out trailer with cleanup kits ready for delivery

It is a big job for a small number of team members.  It is crucial that they are supported by members of local congregations who are committed to Disaster Response work. 

Director: James Ditzler
(H) 330-262-3242
E-mail:  Jim Ditzler

Co-Director: George Siddall
(H) 513-228-0515
E-mail: George Siddall

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