Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN)

In 2023, the Austin Disaster Relief Network (adrn) responded to 102 disasters across our five-county region, including the general disasters, sonora fires, parmer fires, little walnut creek flooding, and winter storm mara. Fortunately, winter storm mara was less destructive than the 2020 winter storm, yet it still impacted 392 homes. Adrn churches and trained volunteers connected with over 240 individuals, helping survivors access resources, providing immediate Relief through gift cards, and offering free replacement clothing to 424 household members in need through the hope family thrift store.at headquarters and various organized intake centers, approximately 23 highly trained volunteers provided emotional and spiritual support to 240 individuals through critical incident stress management plus (cism+). In addition, over $32,000 in emergency funds were distributed via visa and/or heb gift cards. Furthermore, 96 families requested Disaster Relief shepherds for long-term support as they recovered from disasters.out-of-area response included assistance for the orange county tornado, providing support to 19 households also providing critical incident stress management plus (cism+), offering both emotional and spiritual care. $6,400 was distributed in emergency funds via visa gift cards. Additionally, in response to a request from southwest Louisiana Disaster response, ten highly trained call center volunteers contacted 89 families previously impacted by hurricanes to assess ongoing needs for financial assistance. Over 56 hours of ministry included: listening, providing guidance, and praying with survivors.

The adrn training department offered 39 sessions in 2023 with a total attendance of 523 people. Individuals began their training with i am ready basic training and orientation and moved into more advanced physical, emotional, and spiritual response training classes. Those courses included: critical incident stress management plus (cism+), community emergency response team (cert), american red cross cpr and first aid, Disaster Relief shepherding, ham radio, incident management team leadership training, call center response, preparedness peace, conflict resolution in times of Disaster, spiritual readiness in times of Disaster, psalm 91:1- the protection of the lord, and prayer hotline.