GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. – With hurricane season on the horizon, Glynn County officials have launched a new effort seeking to support and connect local faith-based organizations before, during, and after disasters.
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The Glynn County Emergency Management Agency and the City of Brunswick Emergency Management Agency have combined forces to create the Glynn-Brunswick Disaster Faith Network, which the agencies say will help faith leaders and community partners become more prepared, connected and resilient when emergencies happen.
“As part of this network, we’ll work together to streamline disaster response efforts and organize critical resources across the community, ensuring that no one is left behind during emergencies,” officials said. “By joining the network, you’ll help create a more coordinated, effective response, with faith-based organizations coming together to share resources, skills, and support when it’s needed most.”
According to a website for the disaster network, members will receive the following benefits upon joining:
- Receive direct communication and updates from emergency management
- Gain access to disaster planning and recovery resources
- Help streamline response efforts by working closely with other faith leaders
- Join a network that organizes available resources for more efficient coordination
- Be part of collaborative meetings and training sessions focused on practical, real-world disaster response
“This step is to bring everyone together to talk about the resources provided that we can offer them, and then potentially opening their doors and resources they can offer us,” said Alec Eaton, Brunswick emergency management coordinator.
Wright Culpepper, the executive director at Faithworks, is one of over a dozen faith-based leaders who recently signed up to become members of the network.
“My initial thought is very good because historically we’ve had difficult times knowing how to help those that are marginalized,” Culpepper said.“ We try to gather information, [like if] there are buses that are going to be doing evacuation, [or if] there is a shelter that’s going to be set up.”
The network is expected to operate by having a liaison from the group sit in on meetings with the county’s Emergency Management Agency to learn what the county and city are doing.
For example, if a hurricane was coming, that liaison would sit on the necessary meetings and report it back to the network to help each organization know what resources they’ll be offering to the community.
“Whether your organization provides shelter, food, counseling, spiritual care, or simply a place of comfort — you are a vital part of our community’s resilience. We want to support your mission and ensure you’re connected to the resources and partnerships you need to serve effectively,” the website reads.
Those looking to join the network can do so by filling out an official registration form, which can be found here.
If anyone has any questions or concerns about the network, they are asked to contact Tiffany Yearwood, the deputy director of Glynn County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, or Eaton.
