by “Emergency Servas”

We all know about the devastating Los Angeles area fires, which cost at least two US Servas members their homes. This disaster motivated us to form a group we’re calling “Emergency Servas,” charged with developing procedures for matching Servas members who have lost housing due to natural disasters with members able to offer hosting, possibly for extended stays. (We also hope to identify opportunities beyond hosting for members to support others in need.) The recent Kentucky floods add to the urgency of putting such a program in place.

In a few parts of the country, groups of Servas members hold regular or occasional gatherings or activities. We believe that local Servas groups can be invaluable in identifying members in need and putting them in touch with potential hosts.

But what local groups exist? We know of a few, probably not all, and we’d like to compile a more complete database. So… please let us know about your local group. Just tell us your geographic area and who should be contacted for further information. Anything else you wish to add about your activities would be welcome, as would more voices joining our team.

If your area does not have a local group, please consider this a gentle nudge! There is no official way to form or maintain a local group – just organize something and publicize it locally. The Events Team can help! Please share the news with “Emergency Servas.”

If the Kentucky floods have left you in need of housing assistance, or you can offer some, please contact Emergency Servas.  And please keep an eye on Open Doors for further information about the work of Emergency Servas.

David Schwartz   •  Deirdre Marlowe   •  Johan Cavert   •  Mary Bryant-Mason