What We Do
Faith-Based Initiative
The largest resources of disaster recovery assistance in Escambia County are the faith-based organizations functioning within it. From the smallest to the largest, each works toward the betterment of our community throughout the year.
The BRACE faith-based initiative is focused on reducing duplication of services by maintaining a database that is updated annually. The database will be used when our community is involved in a disaster event in which the County EOC – Emergency Operation Center is activated. The information included in the database is current contact information for the organization, a list of what services they may have available to the general public, and on what time frame after an event they would be able to provide that aid. Some of our registered organizations offer space for a distribution site, some can provide childcare and shelter services, some may have a kitchen to serve meals to victims, and others provide teams for debris clean-up and homebound registry support.
When a call comes to us that someone or several people in the community need aid we will sort our faith-based database by that service. The organizations who have reported offering that service will be called and asked to provide aid if they can. We will record who and where aid was given to reduce the likelihood of duplication of services
The BRACE initiative also supports interfaith partnership throughout Escambia County. Starting in 2010, led by the co-chairs of our faith-based committee, Hugh Hamilton and Stan Lollar, we will begin hosting cluster meetings of all faith-based organizations within the fire districts of our County. These meetings are intended to improve communication as well as enhance our ability to aid our individual neighborhoods effectively and efficiently in times of disaster.
To find out if your church or other organization is participating in the BRACE initiative check our website under “Who We Are.”
If you are not listed you may print a copy of the initiative registration form and fax to BRACE at 850-444-7117.
