Remember that lunch is usually less expensive than an evening meal. Offering coffee and cookies or some type of shared meal can facilitate disaster survivor interaction and participation in community forums, support groups, etc., in rural communities. Local programs can be as creative as possible to provide food for these meetings while adhering to FEMA crisis counseling regulations. The ability to provide information regarding disaster crisis counseling services to a wide cross-section of the community is enhanced greatly by working with and through the various churches and religious organizations in a community. Working as an ally with church groups can open the way for outreach to many families.
Religious groups can mobilize many people and are fertile soil for finding volunteers.
The benevolent work of such groups can provide an effective alternative to the outreach worker becoming over involved in the issues of shelter, clothing, and financial resources. Religious organizations such as interfaith groups and ministerial alliances can ensure a coordinated and comprehensive effort within the religious community. One by-product of involvement with church groups is the ability to reach several age groups in one setting. There also may be church groups for specific ages. In addition, each person in the groups has his or her own network of family, friends, and co-workers who might also benefit from crisis counseling services.