“The conduit for connections between faith organizations and government is the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD),” Harvey said in describing his new role. “I hope to make ICTG more visible in the national disaster relief arena.”
Harvey is a San Antonio native and life-long member of First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio. He was first drawn to the VOAD following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when he was made aware of the nonprofit while running an emergency special medical needs shelter at his church. Since then, he has worked up the ranks of VOAD, going from Secretary at his local San Antonio VOAD, to the Texas VOAD, and finally to the National VOAD level.
“Communicating and networking comes naturally to me, and various opportunities allowed those gifts to blossom within the VOAD and FEMA community,” Harvey said.
Harvey has volunteered on 100+ disaster relief deployments, covering over 27 states. His focus has been on providing training to communities on disaster preparation, response, and recovery.
“Disaster ministry, for me, has always focused on relationships and hospitality,” Harvey said.
Harvey’s demonstrated commitment to volunteer work, and disaster ministry in particular, was recognized in May 2015 when he received the National VOAD 2015 Don Hampton Volunteer of the Year Award.
“Harvey brings a wealth of insight and skill to ICTG and our affiliates and partners. Many ministers do not realize the resources that convening agencies, like VOAD, and granting agencies, like FEMA, offer in the days and weeks following community crises. He will make these more clearly known and accessible,” said Kate Wiebe, Executive Director of ICTG.
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