We respond to major disasters in the U.S. by sending trucks of food, water, and supplies to local churches that aid disaster victims.
We respond in times of need
How our effort works
The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort immediately responds to any major disaster in the United States, and US Territories by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to be distributed to all disaster victims in the disaster area through a local Church of Christ. We are a non-profit corporation, tax-exempt from state and federal income taxes under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3). The organization has fourteen employees consisting of an office staff, a warehouse crew, and 5 men who travel across the country going to disaster sites, and also telling Church of Christ congregations about the work of Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort. Most important are our unpaid volunteer workers and volunteer truck drivers. They are the secret to the success of our organization.
History
The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort unofficially began operations in 1990. Since then, the organization has distributed more than $200 million in emergency food and supplies in response to over 535 disaster areas in 47 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
In 1994, the Nashville based non-profit was incorporated in the State of Tennessee and a large warehouse facility was purchased. Growth has been remarkable. For instance, in 1996, because of church congregations and individuals across the country, we were able to ship $1.1 million in aid. Major disasters in 1999 caused us to respond with more than $4.5 million in supplies. In 2005 we shipped a record amount of supplies, valued at $16,096,517, to many areas including the Gulf Coast area after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. In 2006, we shipped $14,800,208, and $10,597,622 in 2008. More recently, in 2023 we distributed over $5 million due to tornadoes in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, & Texas, plus wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, and flooding in California, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vermont, & Virginia, along with Hurricanes Idalia hitting Florida, and the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Mission
Incorporated in 1994, Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort immediately responds to any major disaster in the continental United States by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to disaster victims. The organization has distributed more than $200 million in emergency food and supplies in response to over 400 disasters in 47 states. Churches of Christ Disaster Relief only works through the local Church of Christ in or nearby the community or town where the disaster has occurred. If there is no Church of Christ in the town, Disaster Relief will contact the nearest town that has a Church of Christ and ask for help. The supplies and other household goods will be distributed by that congregation in the name of the Lord to anyone who has been affected by the disaster regardless of race, color, creed, or religion.
Who supports us?
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort is supported by Churches of Christ across not only the USA but also its neighbors far and near. We are also supported by individuals and other non-profit agencies nationwide. Many congregations and individuals have COCDRE in their monthly budget. In 2017, we received financial support from 2,131 congregations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, plus 1 in Canada. 8,271 individuals/families from 50 states plus DC, Canada, France, India, the Netherlands, and the UK also supported us financially. In addition, many corporations across the country will match the donation gifts of their employees who support us. Some corporations will donate items from time to time that we provide to disaster survivors.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of this organization and the reason for our success. We have volunteers working weekly sorting and pre-packing relief supplies. When we pack food boxes it is not unusual to see 250-300 volunteers or more show up from local congregations to help. Church groups from throughout the US have enjoyed working a few hours, or even days during summer months or school breaks before visiting other Nashville attractions. We will also schedule a group of five or more that will commit to working at least a four hour shift on a Saturday or Sunday at our Nashville warehouse. We need advance notice to schedule and setup weekend visits.
Who gets help?
Strict guidelines apply to type of disaster
We contact local leadership and emergency management to evaluate the situation
We work with the local Church of Christ congregations in setting up distribution centers in the disaster area
We follow up to see that all areas are covered
All cases are checked out, not an individual benevolent fund
Anyone at site can receive assistance regardless of race, color, creed, or religious preference.
What are the advantages?
Ready immediately to respond to emergencies with organized preparation, distribution, and follow-up..
On-site review of assistance
Local churches help to distribute food, supplies, and funds
Workable system for distribution to victims
We are Cost Effective
More than 85% of every donated dollar goes directly to disaster victims, 86.82% to be precise. Expenses such as salaries, utilities, supplies, maintenance, depreciation, truck rentals, etc. amounted to only 13.18%. We are proud of this remarkable record and acknowledge that without our many volunteers this could not be possible.
Distribution of Supplies
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief only works through the local Church of Christ in the community or town, where the disaster has occurred. If there is no Church of Christ in the town, Disaster Relief will contact the nearest town that has a Church of Christ and ask for help. Supplies will be distributed by this congregation “in the name of the Lord” to anyone who has been affected by the disaster regardless of race, color, creed, or religion.