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 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 Florida, Georgia,
and North Carolina, following the triple threat
of hurricanes, Helene, Debby,
and Michael. To disadvantaged neighborhoods in Houston
following the winter storm
and energy crisis. To our congregations in Pasadena to help
after the Pasadena Altadena fires.
To our congregations in the Philippines
who have suffered from volcanic eruptions
and other climate related disasters.
Funds have been sent following wildfires, floods,
hurricanes, tornadoes, ice, and snowstorms and more.

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 UUs,
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.
Camp Hill, Alabama is just one example
where this very small congregation was able to respond
to the entire community's needs, following terrible storms
compounded by a major shooting disaster.

They took their $20,000 grant and fed the neighborhood
and helped bring back hope,
in a community where poverty is too frequent a companion.


Our Disaster Relief Fund is part of a covenant,
the 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,
thank you for supporting this fund
and for sharing our story with others.