Governor Kaine Signs Legislation to Better Coordinate Faith-based Assistance
– Bill an outgrowth of Virginia response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita –

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today ceremonially signed General Assembly legislation that establishes an orderly process to coordinate assistance offered by faith-based organizations during times of emergency or natural disaster.

Senate Bill 730 and House Bill 1213 give the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) increased responsibilities in their work with faith-based organizations, establishing DSS as the single state agency designated to handle the coordination of assistance with the faith community, whether materials, temporary housing, or volunteer manpower.

Last fall, Hurricane Katrina caused the largest displacement of American citizens since the Great Depression. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, DSS worked with state agencies, faith and charitable organizations, local governments, and individuals, to compile an inventory of thousands of housing units available across the Commonwealth for temporary use by hurricane survivors. The faith community also stepped-up to offer additional kinds of assistance, including meals, clothing, and financial aid.

“When Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast states last year, there was a remarkable response by members of Virginia’s faith-based groups and others to provide assistance and housing to displaced residents of the Gulf Coast region,” Governor Kaine said.  “We saw the same response after Isabel caused widespread damage and hardship here in Virginia in the fall of 2003. This legislation directs our Department of Social Services to reach out to communities of faith in an organized and more coordinated way. We believe that the interaction of DSS and the faith-based community will not only bring additional generosity and compassion to our overall relief efforts, but also the organization and structure needed to ensure that the victims of a disaster can access a whole range of services and assistance.”

The Governor was joined at today’s ceremonial bill signing by Delegate Brian Moran, the chief patron of House Bill 1213, and members of Richmond’s faith community.

“Today Governor Kaine signed an important piece of legislation that will help protect Virginia families in times of natural disasters,” Delegate Moran said. “If we’ve learned one thing from the Hurricane Isabel in Virginia or the Katrina disaster on the Gulf Coast, it’s that our faith community is often the best prepared to respond. They offer critical supplies and help to those in their time of greatest need and bring hope to those in hopeless situations. This bill ensures Virginia is at the cutting edge of harnessing the potential of the faith community to respond in times of future disasters.”

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