Disaster Ministries

Severe Weather Update

In late-March 2026, Hawaii experienced back-to-back storms known as Kona Lows that led to severe flooding across the Hawaiian Islands. This flooding represents the worst flooding that Hawaii has seen in more than 20 years. The Governor of Hawaii estimates the damages from these storms at over $1 billion including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital in Kula. While the immediate threat of further flooding has passed, the long road to recovery is just beginning.

The Global HOPE team is in regular communication with the Hawaii Conference staff, ecumenical partners in disaster recovery, and response coordination calls with the national network of voluntary organizations active in disasters (VOAD). At this time, we are working to connect response resources with communities in need – this includes coordination with Church World Service and the potential deployment of clean up kits.

We know that at least three local UCC churches in Hawaii are in communities directly affected by the flooding. We are also aware of several other UCC churches who have made their spaces available as shelters.

As we continue to pray for and support those who experienced unimaginable loss, we invite you to support the UCC’s recovery efforts in the following ways:

Pray for those that have been impacted.

Act by assembling Hygiene Kits and Cleanup Buckets: After a disaster one of the biggest requests is the need for cleanup buckets and hygiene kits. UCC congregations interested in assembling hygiene kits and cleanup buckets are eligible for a matching grant through the Global HOPE office.

Donate to the UCC’s Hawaii Flooding 2026 Appeal. Your gifts will support the long-term recovery efforts of the community, as we work to ensure an equitable approach to long-term recovery in these communities.

Support Communities Impacted by Severe Storms

As severe weather continues to move across our country, we continue to hold in our prayers the families of those who have lost their lives, those recovering, and those picking up the pieces after this devastating tragedy. The Disaster Ministries Team and other staff at the National Setting of the United Church of Christ continue to be in communication with those in the affected areas to monitor the situation and are ready to accompany those who have been impacted.

To support the relief and long-term recovery of those affected by these severe storms, and other communities that have experienced similar events across the US, click here.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the national office of the United Church of Christ responded quickly and faithfully, standing in solidarity with devastated communities across the Gulf Coast. Through financial support, volunteer mobilization, and long-term recovery initiatives, the UCC offered not only immediate relief but also a commitment to rebuilding lives and neighborhoods. The church’s response embodied its call to be a servant church—walking alongside survivors with compassion, justice, and hope.

California Wildfires 2025 Special Appeal Updates

Hurricanes 2024 Special Appeal Updates

Preparedness Resources

Conference Disaster
Response Coordinators

Post-Disaster Resources

Short-Term and Long-Term Volunteer Opportunities

Get Involved Locally

Emotional and Spiritual Care

The Global HOPE team facilitates the UCC’s response to natural and human-caused disasters across the United States and its territories and around the world.

Hand in hand with our Partners in Service and other volunteers, congregations, conferences, and partnerships, including a network of Conference Disaster Response Coordinators, UCC Disaster Ministries seeks to serve the most vulnerable populations, focusing on disaster preparedness, identifying and meeting unmet needs, and spiritual and emotional support.

The UCC is an active member of National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), through which we partner with dozens of organizations, large and small, for holistic, community-based recovery.

Internationally, Global HOPE maintains direct relationships and partnerships with organizations and faith communities able to appropriately and effectively respond to emergencies and long-term needs. The Global HOPE Team Leader works with Area Executives of Global Ministries and through organizations such as Church World Service and the ACT Alliance to direct financial support and ensure the United Church of Christ stands with vulnerable people during times of crisis.

Receive regular updates on ways your church can respond to disasters.

Ways to Respond to Disasters

Donations
Disaster Ministries Donations Page

Active Appeals
Give to one of the appeals below to bring hope and healing to communities in need.

Disaster Grant Opportunities
Receive assistance to help communities in disaster find hope and strength.