Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
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Supporting Our Sisters and Brothers in Alabama

Posted by Joshua DuBois on May 19, 2011 at 06:08 PM EDT
Briefing from Emergency Management Officials

Joshua DuBois, Special Assitant to the President and Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships is briefed on the damage in Alabama from Emergency Management Officials May 10, 2011.

Last week, I had the honor to travel to Alabama and spend time with folks who have been impacted by the recent Southern Storms.  I can tell you that the devastation after tornados swept through that great state is nothing short of breathtaking.
 
Our office and our Center at the Department of Homeland Security, led by Director David Myers, are focused on making sure that faith-based organizations have the tools they need to help communities respond and recover.  We are working to ensure that houses of worship and nonprofit organizations are plugged into disaster response, and that everyday folks know how they can get help in the weeks ahead.
 
We started off in Birmingham and met with key leaders who are active in the rebuilding and recovery efforts. Then we went to Tuscaloosa and toured the heart of the damage, first on the ground and then by helicopter.  We also met with the mayor of Tuscaloosa and identified some concrete ways we can help that city get back on its feet.  David and I concluded a long day by hosting a pastors forum back in Birmingham, seeking to equip local leaders with information they could pass on to their congregants this Sunday.
 
I’ve included a few pictures from the trip below that give some sense of the damage and resolve of folks to recover.  And below are other helpful links for you to share with your networks regarding the most recent developments and how you can help. These links and more information can be found on blog.fema.gov:
 
 
·How to Help

I hope you’ll join me in remembering and supporting our friends in Alabama and working for a full recovery.

Tuscaloosa After the Flood

A picture of the damage in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. May 10, 2011.

Briefing from Emergency Management Officials

Joshua DuBois, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of The White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships speaks with an Emergency Management Official in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. May 10, 2011.

Meeting with Mayor Dean of Tuscaloosa

Joshua DuBois meets with Mayor Dean of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. May 10, 2011.

Joshua DuBois serves as Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

 

 
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