What We Do
NECHAMA’s Programs aim to provide disaster-affected communities with the resources needed to not only rebuild after natural disasters, but also to enable these communities to better prepare for and respond to events in the future.
The foundation of our Response and Recovery work is built upon addressing and raising awareness of the immediate and underlying needs of a post-disaster community. Through an innovative, environmentally conscious, and bridge-building approach, we are dedicated to addressing the damage communities sustain with an emphasis on repairing community life.
Throughout these Programs, NECHAMA is committed to building, and fostering partnerships with local organizations and federal agencies to provide the infrastructure for long term assistance for affected communities. The core of our work is comprised of direct volunteer service and community engagement to inspire, support, and bolster community resilience.
Response
NECHAMA’s Response work provides immediate services to disaster-affected areas to help families in the first stage of the disaster recovery process. Our multifaceted Response Programs are focused on rebuilding the community and laying the groundwork upon which future recovery efforts can be built and sustained.
Recovery
By engaging a holistic approach to disaster recovery, NECHAMA’s Recovery work promotes systemic change through long-term assistance and efforts towards community self-sustainability. Our Recovery Programs ensure not only a personalized approach to disaster recovery, but one that is also committed to rebuilding communities, continuous preparation, and stable growth.
Jewish Engagement
Seventy percent of NECHAMA volunteers are Jewish, representing all denominations and backgrounds. For our Jewish volunteers, volunteering with NECHAMA is a transformative experience, connecting Jews through shared values of service and compassion. Sixty percent of our Jewish volunteers are under 35, many seeking meaningful ways to engage with their heritage beyond traditional spaces. As the only national Jewish disaster relief organization, NECHAMA provides a unique opportunity to live out Tikkun Olam and Jewish values, forge bonds across denominations, and strengthen Jewish identity through action.
Combating Antisemitism
NECHAMA’s disaster relief work extends beyond immediate recovery by promoting positive community relations and combating antisemitism. Through our core value of Tikkun Olam, we provide disaster relief without religious bias, offering a visible Jewish presence in communities that often have limited exposure to Jewish life. By caring for all individuals, regardless of faith, we not only support disaster-affected areas but also challenge harmful stereotypes and foster understanding, helping to reduce the spread of antisemitic beliefs and strengthen Jewish ties in rural communities.
What NECHAMA Means To Me
What NECHAMA Means To Me – Rabbi Aaron Gaber
My favorite story, told in various ways, is about a bunch of starfish washed up on the beach. A young boy spent his time returning the starfish one by one... Read More
What NECHAMA Means To Me – Tracy Figueroa
Tracy Figueroa, Board Secretary On September 21st, 1989, Hurricane Hugo slammed into Charleston’s coastline. A Category 4 storm, Hugo tossed boats from the water into the streets, reduced neighborhoods to... Read More
What NECHAMA Means To Me – Stephen Matloff
Stephen Matloff, Board President What my work with NECHAMA proves is that fulfilling our moral obligation to help others in need — sometimes even by quite literally repairing the world... Read More