Churches have long played a vital role in assisting communities during unexpected disasters. By providing shelter, food, medical aid and a host of other material and spiritual services, faith-based communities are often seen as critical to effective responses.

Recognizing the key role these groups play, the City & Borough of Juneau is now partnering with American Red Cross of Alaska to host a luncheon for faith communities and other disaster response organizations on Jan. 20. The gathering takes place in the Alaska Room at the Juneau International Airport from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Faith communities play a central role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery,” a notice for the event states. “This event is intended to nurture partnerships and collaboration between faith communities and other organizations, agencies, and government entities with the goal of increasing response capabilities during local disasters.”

The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Rosita Wilburn, the Disaster Spiritual Care Lead for American Red Cross of Alaska. Participants will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and meet other community partners.

Anyone with an interest in faith communities and their role in disaster response and recovery is welcome to attend. The event is free of charge. Attendees are asked to RSVP at tinyurl.com/mrd784h6.

For more information, contact Britt Tonnessen at britt.tonnessen@redcross.org.

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