Religious organizations step up when disaster strikes

As of 2026, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) — FEMA’s primary nonprofit disaster coordination network — includes more than 70 national organizations, many of them faith-based ministries and charities.

These groups help communities during hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and other crises by providing emergency shelter, food distribution, cleanup crews, volunteers, counseling, and long-term recovery support.

Organizations in the network include groups like The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities USA, and Samaritan’s Purse, which regularly assist communities before, during, and after disasters.

FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security continue to emphasize partnerships with faith-based organizations as part of national emergency preparedness and recovery efforts.