History of ODR
Welcome to the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana's Office of Disaster Response (ODR). This office was established and underwritten by Episcopal Relief and Development for the sole purpose of helping the people of Southeastern Louisiana in their recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This is accomplished through a three phase approach to 'meet people where they are,' providing for their unmet needs.
The first phase is the “Immediate Response” work that provides for basic human needs through the distribution of food, water, and cleaning supplies. It also includes two feeding ministries through St. George’s café and Trinity’s Mobile Loaves and Fishes; each feeding 150 people each day. Additionally, our community’s minor medical and pastoral care needs are being served through our Mobile Medical Unit which travels into the affected neighborhoods. A big part of ODR’s work in this phase is the coordination of volunteers and distribution of goods/materials and tools to facilitate teams cleaning out houses and helping our churches with their outreach programs. This Immediate Response phase will be ongoing over the next couple of years as our evacuees slowly return to their homes.
The second phase is our 'Recovery assistance.' In this phase we will be establishing 5 'Compassion Centers' located in Episcopal Churches strategically located in the New Orleans area. Each center will have a Site Coordinator and Case Manager as staff members of ODR. The Site Coordinator will be responsible for the management of volunteers and programs meeting the needs of the people in the surrounding neighborhoods. ODR has partnered with GRACE Community Services to provide Disaster Case Management services for stricken families by helping them design a personal recovery plan and assisting them in their efforts. ODR's efforts in this phase will be broad and encompassing; ranging from assistance with FEMA and insurance companies, to material assistance, to coordinating volunteers in the refurbishment of homes.
The last phase is the long-term 'Rebuilding Phase.' The Diocese of Louisiana is committed to three distinctive areas in the Transformation and Reshaping of the new New Orleans. First and foremost, we are establishing a 'Citizens Engagement' program through which we are building a coalition of religious leaders to be a voice for the poor and disenfranchised of our community. Second, we have identified New Orleans' Education System as an area that we are committing ourselves to be advocates for change as an avenue to eradicate this city's history of racism and social injustices. And lastly, we are committed to move people from poverty to wealth through home equity by developing affordable housing for those who would not otherwise be able to live the American Dream. It is our goal to build 500 homes a year as long as the need exists.
Please browse our website and get to know our dedicated team. We ask for your prayers as this will be a long journey as we serve Christ by serving those in need among us.
In Christ's Name,
Archdeacon Dennis McManis
