NECHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster

MISSION:

NECHAMA, rooted in the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), engages volunteers in disaster relief, rebuilds people’s lives, provides comfort and hope, and represents the Jewish people and our values.

WHAT WE DO:

NECHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster is the only national Jewish organization that offers sustained direct recovery services to respond to damage caused by hurricanes, tornados, floods, and other natural disasters. Rooted and guided by Jewish values, NECHAMA has three overarching priorities: 

1. Humanizing Jews and representing Jewish ideals in communities shattered by disaster. 
2. Providing a platform for volunteers to explore their identities and purpose. 
3. Spreading hope by offering tangible support and neighborhood revitalization to people and communities in desperate need of assistance. 

 

SERVICES WE PROVIDE:

Immediate Response

NECHAMA’s response work provides immediate services to disaster-affected areas, helping families in the first stage of the disaster recovery process. This often refers to debris removal and “mucking and gutting” homes, which involves removing mud, debris, and water-damaged materials from homes after a disaster, and helping to mitigate the growth of mold. These critical first steps lay the groundwork for victims of disaster to return to their homes as quickly and safely as possible.

Continued Recovery

For communities that experience extreme disasters, NECHAMA often maintains a presence and provides further recovery work, beyond an immediate response. Through the support of local and national partners, we provide long-term assistance and rebuilding services. Our aim is to ensure that homes are rebuilt sustainably, and we often restore them better than their original condition.