In an effort to better serve those in need during times of disaster or crisis, Point Loma Nazarene University, under the leadership of President Bob Brower, has formed the Relief and Response Task Force.

The task force will become a permanent entity for the community and will be developed for long term disaster response. According to Brower, the university will be working hand-in-hand with multiple service organizations as a means to better become “a broker of resources to the community” during times of disaster. It is charged with three main goals:

• To identify local governmental and emergency management individuals and agencies with whom we can develop partnering relationships.
• To identify and partner with resource agencies such as World Vision, Heart to Heart International, Nazarene Disaster Relief, and others who can provide resources and expertise in relief and recovery efforts.
• To establish systems and plans to mobilize volunteers and university efforts in the event of a community need.

Another, more specific goal, is to guide the implementation of a longer term assistance and volunteer effort of recovery to assist individuals and families affected by the San Diego fires.

One of the strategic partnerships that will be formed is with the Regional Continuum of Care Council (RCCC). Patricia Leslie, an associate professor of social work at PLNU, also serves as a facilitator for the RCCC. Another organization that is part of the task force is Nazarene Disaster Response (NDR), a denominationally supported network of disaster volunteers.

The task force is chaired by Dr. Kevin Modesto, associate professor of Sociology and Social Work.

Eric Yates
Media Relations Officer
(619) 849-7186
eyates@pointloma.edu