WHI Welcomes Disaster Response Manager

On April 1, World Hope International will welcome James Bond as the organization’s new Disaster Response Program Manager. As WHI’s key field representative for disaster response, Bond will be responsible for assessing damage after natural disasters, determining response needs, coordinating efforts with other disaster relief agencies, and facilitating volunteer response teams at disaster sites.

Bond’s background in disaster response, first aid, firefighting, and search and rescue has taken him to the middle of recent disaster recovery efforts in New Orleans and throughout Kansas and Missouri. Working at the community level, his expertise in pre-planning and implementation will be a boost to WHI’s disaster response efforts when timely and efficient action is required. In addition, Bond has extensive experience coordinating with FEMA and other disaster relief agencies to effectively respond in the critical days immediately after disasters.

As a native of Kansas, Bond will initially focus on continuing WHI’s response work in Greensburg, KS. A great deal remains to be done to help Greensburg recover from the May 4, 2007, storm and rebuild the town, and teams are being organized now to continue the work. To send a volunteer relief team to Greensburg, contact the on site office at 620-723-3155.

The maximum volunteer relief team size is 35 persons, and housing is provided in Greensburg or the surrounding areas. The works consists of mostly interior finishing, drywall, painting, and trim. Weather permitting, some work may be outdoors as well. Large tools are provided; however, teams are asked to take small hand tools such as tape measures, knives, and hammers if they have them available. Cost is $20 per person per day for housing, meals, t-shirt and all building materials. Teams are also asked to take bedding and personal items for dormitory-style-bunk-bed sleeping accommodations.