Training Volunteers to Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to Survivors of Disaster
By Sarah Baquet
In South Louisiana, disasters are an expected part of life. Given our frequent encounters with tropical storms and hurricanes, our communities have developed a resilience that is unique to the region. The importance of a coordinated response to crisis cannot be overstated. As we’ve seen countless times, immediate and organized action can mitigate the damage of disasters, particularly for the most vulnerable among us.
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a disaster is significant. For those fortunate enough to have a strong foundation—such as health, financial stability, and insurance—recovery is still challenging. But for those experiencing poverty, recovery can be nearly impossible, leading to unsafe living conditions or even homelessness.
At Catholic Charities of Acadiana, we recognize this reality and emphasize that disasters disproportionately affect the poor, compounding their suffering. As part of our mission to care for the most vulnerable, we ask ourselves how we can best serve those who are most in need during times of crisis.
Our ability to respond to disasters is dependent on volunteers. As our Chief of Operations Colleen Narido notes, “Whether or not survivors receive help after a disaster depends on volunteers.” Our core team is small, and the scope of disaster response is vast, so we rely on a network of volunteers who are willing to assist in our efforts. Local, state, and national governments cannot resolve disaster impacts alone. Volunteers are essential to meeting the needs of those affected.
In response to the ongoing need for prepared volunteers, Catholic Charities of Acadiana launched its first Disaster Response Volunteer Training on August 31, 2024. This training, hosted by St. Pius X Catholic Church, brought together over 55 individuals eager to serve. The day began with Mass, reminding us that our work is not merely humanitarian, but grounded in our faith. Participants received hands-on training in disaster damage assessment, mucking and gutting, applying tarps, and using essential machinery safely. We also introduced our volunteer mobilization model, where small volunteer crews are assigned to specific survivors to offer personalized assistance, ensuring a compassionate and efficient response.
In training volunteers, we emphasize the importance of how we serve. Beyond the physical tasks, our presence is a source of comfort and hope for disaster survivors. Volunteers bring the love of God through their actions, words, and prayers, reminding survivors that they are not alone in their suffering.
In the face of disaster, Catholic Charities of Acadiana stands as a beacon of hope, driven by a mission to care for the most vulnerable among us. Through the dedication of our volunteers, we offer not just physical assistance but the presence and compassion of Christ to those enduring the most challenging moments of their lives. As we continue to build our disaster response capacity, we invite our community to join in this vital work—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply praying for survivors. Together, we can extend God’s mercy and love to our neighbors in their time of need, embodying the hands and feet of Jesus to all who suffer.
Interested in learning more about how to be a volunteer in disaster? Reach out to our Volunteer Experience Coordinator, Sarah Baquet, at sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org or (337) 235-4972 x1222