According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States has been impacted by 24 climate disaster events exceeding $1 billion in damages so far in 2024 alone. Ranging from Hurricane Helene devastating North Carolina to Hurricane Milton tearing through Florida, this year’s natural disasters have been incredibly destructive. Climate science is clear that  fossil fuels and the emissions from the largest fossil fuel companies are responsible for the increased frequency, intensity, and size of natural disasters due to their contributions to climate change. 

Unfortunately, natural disasters are not equalizers in the experience of recovery. Those who are living in poverty or who have already been impacted by a natural disaster are more vulnerable to future disasters. They are more likely to reside in unsound housing, in climate-vulnerable areas that lack proper protection, have more limited assets and are less likely to be insured. These communities require the most support, but right now, the federal government is failing them.  

Congress missed an opportunity to fully fund the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund and replenish the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loan fund when it passed a temporary funding bill in September. Now, FEMA is on track to run out of funding for disaster relief in just a few months and the Small Business Administration recently announced it has already exhausted funds for its disaster loan program following increased demand from Hurricane Helene. Until Congress appropriates additional funds, the SBA is pausing new loan offers and FEMA disaster relief funds remain at risk.   

As we move into a lame duck session, now is the time to secure critical funding for disaster relief before those in power seek to fulfill Project 2025’s promise to defund and dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says to not be “hard-hearted or tightfisted” toward the poor among us, but to open our hands wide and generously lend aid for whatever they may need. Through the United Church of Christ’s Global HOPE team we support direct responders and partner with organizations offering aid to those most impacted by the recent natural disasters. But the federal government has a far greater capacity to provide for their welfare and has a responsibility to ensure those impacted by natural disasters are cared for.  

Tell Congress to pass robust disaster relief funding NOW and help disaster-impacted communities across the country.