ICTG has partnered with the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness and Family Assistance Center, housed at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara, to provide emotional and spiritual care to first responders. The first responders, who hail from multiple counties throughout California, have been working tirelessly over the last several days to pull people from the debris. Recent ICTG Blogger, Keith McLellan, is the Red Cross Manager at the Family Assistance Center (more information about the center in the resources section below) and ICTG Board member Canon Mort Ward is the Disaster Spiritual Care lead for the American Red Cross' Relief Operation response.
ICTG Program Director for Youth Ministry, Doug Ranck, is providing support and resources, including the ICTG Youth Ministry Resource Guide, to area youth directors in Carpinteria, Summerland, Santa Barbara, and Montecito.
ICTG Executive Director Kate Wiebe is working with the “Montecito Four”, made up of Montecito Covenant Church, El Montecito Presbyterian Church, All Saints-by-the-Sea, Episcopal Church and Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church to provide congregational and community care. All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal is also being used as a triage center for people who need medical attention and are unable to get out of central Montecito. On Sunday, the Montecito Four will be partnering with neighboring churches to offer services. Visit their websites for more information.
In addition to the Montecito Four, Kate is working with Episcopal Relief & Development, Young Life, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Red Cross to provide resources to local leaders.
“It’s immense devastation,” said Kate, “While people are anxious to do things right now, there will be many needs in the days and months ahead. We must be prepared for the long-term response.”
Your financial donations are especially helpful right now. ICTG uses your contributions to provide training and vital networking opportunities for leaders impacted by collective traumas, such as the California mudslides. You can give now by going to our Donate Online page.
“Right now people want to give more than just financial contributions, but it's still unclear what the material needs will be,” said Kate.
We will continue to share updates and news in the days ahead.
More Resources and information:
Family Assistance Center
For first responders, survivors, and family members looking for loved ones affected by the recent flooding and mudslides.
Located at First Presbyterian Church at 21 E. Constance Ave. in Santa Barbara. The center will remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday January 16, 2017.
833-688-5551
7 Tips for Faith Leaders Participating in Long-Term Recovery Committees to Rebuild Community after Severe Loss from Natural Disasters by Harvey Howell, ICTG's Senior Advisor for Congregations.
Trying to contact loved ones in Santa Barbara County? These resources can help
Fire Recovery / Mudslide Resources from County of Santa Barbara