Joplin Response F.A.Q.'s
You can schedule a team through Missouri Volunteers in Mission online here. Once you have submitted your preferred team dates please be sure to download the necessary team forms. We will schedule teams in the order requests are received. Thank you for your service to joplin and continued patience through this scheduling process.
Current work consists of repairing and rebuilding homes. We look forward to fulfilling other needs as shared with us through Joplin case management. We are committed to the long term recovery efforts of Joplin.
2. What is an Early Response Team (ERT)?
ERT's are individuals or groups who have been through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Basic Training course, have completed their Annual Conference Background Check procedures and have received an UMCOR ERT badge. In the early phases of disaster it is important to utilize teams with the knowledge of extreme disaster scenarios, debris removal policies (for insurance companies, FEMA, SEMA, etc.), and with a good understanding of what it means to provide appropriate spiritual and emotional support to disaster survivors. The ERT Basic course equips volunteers to enter a disaster scenario with a solid understanding of these areas.
3. How can I become a certified United Methodist Early Response Team (ERT)?
The next ERT Basic Training Course will be held on October 1st at the Conference Office in Columbia, Missouri. For more information and to register for this training event click here. If you are from a Conference outside of Missouri you can contact your Jurisdictional Volunteers in Mission Coordinator regarding local ERT training schedules. Attending this training course and completing your Conference background check procedures (in Missouri, Safe Sanctuaries) will equip you to enter disaster sites as a volunteer in the early stages of disaster, before regular VIM teams.
4. Can I donate now?
You can donate to relief efforts for Joplin online:
You can make other material donations through:
Convoy of Hope: www.convoyofhope.org or 417-823-8998
Ozarks Red Cross: www.redcross-ozarks.org, 417-832-9500 or info@redcross-ozarks.org
Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org or 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Or dial 2-1-1
6. How can I find out more about what is happening in Joplin, Missouri.
Visit the Joplin, Missouri Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/joplinmo.
Become a Friend of Creative Ministries on Facebook here.
Check the Office of Creative Ministries website frequently at www.umocm.com.