Serving Disaster-Impacted Communities in Washington and California

As Christ’s body, the church is acutely aware of Jesus’ mandate to bless others. 

“Give to the one who asks you…” (Matt. 5:42a).

“In everything I did, I showed you by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

“Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Lk. 6:31).

Today, in every direction we look, we find opportunities to do as our Lord taught us. There are needs in our congregations, in our communities, and in our world. 

At World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS), we connect churches to service opportunities in disaster-impacted communities throughout North America. Building relationships with disaster survivors —like a flood-impacted widow in Washington, or a military service family that survived wildfires in California —and restoring their home is our ministry’s way of giving back, serving as Jesus’ hands and feet, and sharing God’s hope and love.

The stories of these disasters probably came across your headlines and timelines in 2025. Unfortunately, California’s raging wildfires and Washington’s downpour of atmospheric floods have left thousands of families still displaced from the place they call home. 

When World Renew partners with local organizations and churches, our efforts to reconcile lives are amplified. Hope Crisis Response Network and Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group are our partners in these communities looking for volunteer teams to come and restore the dwellings that people call home. They have the funds, the materials, the case management, and most of all, the heart to help their community. 

Now, they are looking to us. They need our helping hands, our time, and our efforts.

Does your church feel called to be sent as a witness of Jesus’ help and hope? We welcome your group’s inquiries and questions about a one-week service trip with DRS to California or Washington. Contact our Groups Program Manager, Morgan Tibble, at [email protected] or 616-315-2530 with any questions or to sign up today.