May 14, 2012

Houston’s religious community will learn how to help its congregations prepare, respond and recover from disasters during a workshop organized just as the hurricane season begins.

The “Disaster Preparedness for the Religious Community” workshop is set for June 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the West End Multi-Service Center, 170 Heights Blvd. and repeats from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 2 at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood. June 1 is the official start of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services and the National Disaster Interfaiths Network are sponsoring the workshop to train the religious community how to better serve their congregations during emergencies and develop strategic partnerships and skills. The workshop will cover a wide range of mitigation, preparedness relief and recovery topics.

Houses of worship are among the first places that residents reach out to for assistance and support following a disaster.

For more information or to register, call 832-393-5050 or email sheilanee.sen@houstontx.gov.