MNA Disaster Response

You can also reach out through your local PCA church, which can help coordinate assistance with our disaster response teams.

Our assistance varies based on the disaster and available resources, but typically includes:

• Emergency relief supplies (food, water, essential items)
• Debris removal and cleanup assistance
• Home repair and rebuilding support
• Spiritual care and emotional support
• Connection to other community resources

We work alongside homeowners and communities to help them recover and rebuild.

No. While we are a ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America, we serve all people affected by disasters regardless of church membership or religious affiliation. Our goal is to demonstrate Christ's love to everyone in need.

No. Our disaster response services are provided free of charge to those in need. We are supported by donations and volunteer labor, allowing us to serve communities without cost to the recipients.

Response times vary depending on the scale of the disaster, available volunteer teams, and our current capacity. We prioritize based on urgency and work to help as many people as possible. Calling our hotline ensures your request is processed quickly.

When contacting us for assistance, please have the following information ready:

• Your name and contact information
• Address of the affected property
• Description of the damage
• Any immediate safety concerns
• Insurance status (if known)
• Any special needs or accessibility requirements

Becoming a volunteer involves completing our registration process:

• Complete the online volunteer registration form
• Undergo a background screening (required for all volunteers)
• Once cleared, you'll be eligible to serve on disaster response teams

Good news: Volunteer registration is open every day, all day long, all throughout the year!

All volunteers must complete a background screening as part of the registration process. This screening:

• Is valid for 36 months of service
• Does not obligate you to serve — it simply clears you to participate when you're ready
• Helps ensure the safety of the communities we serve

Yes! Individual volunteers are welcome. After completing registration and background screening, MNA will work to match you with an established team serving on your requested dates.

Volunteer placements operate on a first-come, first-served basis depending on space availability at the Volunteer Staging Site.

Teams follow a two-step process:

1. Individual Registration: Each team member must independently complete registration and background screening
2. Team Registration: The team leader submits details via email to slanier@pcanet.org, including:
   • Organization name and location
   • Leader contact information
   • Requested service dates
   • Team composition (total members, gender breakdown)

Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks depending on the disaster and community needs:

• Debris removal and cleanup
• Mucking out flooded homes (removing damaged materials)
• Tarping roofs
• Home repairs and reconstruction
• Distributing relief supplies
• Providing spiritual care and encouragement

No special skills are required for many tasks — just a willingness to serve!

Sherry can answer questions about registration, team coordination, and available service opportunities.

There are several ways to give:

• Online: Visit pcamna.org/give to donate by credit card
• Recurring Gifts: Set up automatic monthly deductions from your checking, savings, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover)
• Check or Money Order: Mail to:
  Mission to North America
  P.O. Box 890233
  Charlotte, NC 28289-0233
• Stock or Estate Gifts: Contact mnadonations@pcanet.org for details

Yes! Donations to MNA are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive:

• A receipt within a week of your contribution
• A year-end contribution summary by January 31st

For your donation to count toward the current tax year:

• Checks: Must be dated by December 31st with postmarks no later than that date
• Online donations: Accepted through midnight Eastern time on December 31st
• Stock transfers: Should occur by December 4th to ensure processing

While we appreciate the generous desire to donate supplies, we have limited storage space and logistics capacity. Unsolicited donations of supplies can sometimes create challenges rather than helping.

Please contact us first so we can:

• Determine if we currently need the items you wish to donate
• Coordinate delivery to the right location
• Ensure supplies reach those who need them most

Financial donations are often more helpful as they allow us to purchase exactly what's needed, when and where it's needed.

Yes. MNA is committed to protecting the identity of its constituents. We do not share or rent our list of contributors with any other organization.

Our donations team can help with questions about giving options, receipts, and special gifts.

Essential items to pack:

• Bedding: Sleeping bag, air mattress or cot, pillow
• Clothing: Work clothes you don't mind getting dirty or damaged, sturdy closed-toe work boots (steel toe recommended), long pants, weather-appropriate layers
• Personal protective equipment: Work gloves, safety glasses, N95 dust masks
• Toiletries: All personal hygiene items, towel, washcloth
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Water bottle: Reusable container for staying hydrated
• Medications: Adequate supply of any prescriptions, plus basic first aid items
• Identification: Driver's license and insurance card

Conditions vary by disaster and location, but volunteers should be prepared for austere conditions:

• No electrical power: The area may be without grid power. Charge devices before arriving and bring backup batteries.
• No potable water: Do not drink tap water unless specifically told it is safe. Bottled water will be provided for drinking.
• Limited cell service: Towers may be damaged. Communicate with family before arriving that contact may be limited.
• Basic sleeping quarters: You may be sleeping in a church fellowship hall, gymnasium, or similar space on the floor or cots.

Conditions often improve as recovery progresses, but always prepare for the basics to be unavailable.

Yes, we typically have a shower trailer available at the Volunteer Staging Site. However:

• Shower times may be scheduled and limited
• Hot water availability varies
• Bring your own towel, washcloth, and toiletries
• Bring shower shoes/flip-flops

Baby wipes and dry shampoo can be helpful supplements between showers.

Meals are typically provided at the Volunteer Staging Site:

• Breakfast and dinner are usually served at the staging site
• Lunch is often packed to take to the work site
• Snacks and water are available throughout the day

A typical day at the volunteer site:

• 6:30 AM: Wake up
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast
• 7:30 AM: Morning devotions and team briefing
• 8:00 AM: Depart for work sites
• 12:00 PM: Lunch break at work site
• 4:30 PM: Return to staging site
• 5:00 PM: Showers and free time
• 6:00 PM: Dinner
• 7:00 PM: Evening devotions and debrief
• 10:00 PM: Lights out

Schedules may vary based on conditions, weather, and specific needs.

Disaster sites present unique hazards. Please observe all safety guidelines:

• Always wear PPE: Closed-toe boots, gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks when required
• Watch for hazards: Nails, broken glass, unstable structures, downed power lines, contaminated water
• Stay hydrated: Drink water frequently, especially in hot weather
• Take breaks: Listen to your body and rest when needed
• Use the buddy system: Never work alone
• Report injuries immediately: No matter how minor

Volunteers of all abilities are welcome! There are many ways to serve:

• Administrative and logistics support
• Meal preparation and serving
• Prayer teams and chaplaincy
• Childcare for homeowner families
• Light cleaning and organizing
• Tool and equipment management

Please let us know about any limitations when you register so we can match you with appropriate tasks.

Yes, personal tools are welcome! Helpful items include:

• Hammer, pry bar, utility knife
• Cordless drill with charged batteries
• Tape measure, speed square
• Tool belt or apron

Label all personal tools clearly with your name. We also have tools available on site for those who don't have their own.

Please leave these items at home:

• Alcohol or illegal substances: Our sites are strictly substance-free
• Firearms or weapons
• Expensive jewelry or valuables: They may get lost or damaged
• Pets: Unless specifically approved as service animals
• Bad attitudes: Flexibility and a servant's heart are essential!