Beth Casebolt  0:06  
Hi, my name is Beth Casebolt and I am a member of the UUA's Disaster Relief Fund Team. When disaster hits a community, people want to help. Often that takes the form of contributing financially to organizations that they trust - organizations that they know have the relationships necessary to convert monetary donations into real life support for the people who need it. The UUA's Disaster Relief Fund does just that. We receive donations from congregations and individuals who want to support Unitarian Universalist congregations and their wider communities in need. And we review grant applications and distribute those funds to congregations and communities following a disaster. Grants from the disaster relief fund help congregations care for their buildings and the needs of their members, as well as supporting people in the wider community, especially those who may not be eligible for other grant programs. Where have our grants gone? To Oklahoma City for ice storm cleanup, Ashland, Oregon for fire damage to congregant homes, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for repairs following the derecho and Arlington, Virginia for remediating flood damage. Funds have been sent following wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice and snow storms and more. In addition, the UUA understands the connection between disaster relief and justice making. It is the most vulnerable populations who suffer worst in a disaster. Disaster Relief grants to our UU congregations and related organizations not only help other Unitarian Universalists, they can also support on-the-ground relief efforts through existing partnerships that congregations already have. These grants encourage congregations to build coalitions to meet the needs of their wider communities. Since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, the disaster relief fund has also provided small grants to UU congregations and affiliated groups to support pandemic relief they or their community partners are providing. Donations have supported food pantries and distribution systems in several locations, supported immigrant workers and provided temporary housing and access to medical care for migrant and immigrant workers. Our Disaster Relief Fund is part of a covenant. A covenant between the UUA and congregations, between congregations who give generously and those in need and with our community partners. Through aiding our congregations, their members and their community partners, we are able to embody our faith and values. On behalf of the Disaster Relief Fund Team. I thank you for supporting this fund and for sharing our story with others.

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