NZCCSS Earthquake response message
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today convened a teleconference of national organisations involved with social services to discuss the earthquake crisis and responses from their organisations.
The Prime Minister John Key, Deputy Prime Minister together with Minister of Māori Affairs Pita Sharples joined the teleconference also. The Prime Minister thanked the agencies for all their work so far and stated that this is a very difficult time with loss of life and widespread destruction that will require an on-going and long-term response. He particularly emphasised the psychological impact of this second disaster in such a short time and the need to rebuild people’s confidence.
Offers of assistance with material and people should be directed to the email address: Logistics@ncmc.govt.nz.
Please note that NZCCSS has already collated and forwarded on the responses received to our email on since Wednesday. We are happy to continue to provide this support. We recognise that many of our members are closely involved in independently supporting their own networks.
The two key information websites are:
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
http://www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz/
Housing assistance – there is a national website for offers of emergency housing for people:
http://www.housinghelp.govt.nz/
Good information on coping with the psychological impact of the earthquake is available on the MoH website.
Minister Bennett advised that a finance package to support earthquake response work by social service agencies is being prepared for announcement next week. It is most likely that it will be modelled on the Community Response emergency funding provided after the September earthquake.
She also emphasised that Civil Defence emergency payments are available for individuals through Work and Income.
Minister Sharples reported that Ngai Tahu and Te Puni Kokiri are establishing a command post to coordinate iwi responses and that marae through the country are opening and are taking displaced people from Christchurch already.
Regional Responses outside of Christchurch:
There was discussion about needing to coordinate the response of regions dealing with the people who need to leave Christchurch. Regions outside Christchurch are finding they are under pressure to meet the needs of the large number of people coming out of Christchurch. The Minister reported that the Mayors have been in discussion about this and that it would be wise for agencies to work with the Civil Defence, Mayors and regional MSD offices to coordinate this. The idea of regional 0800 number will be looked at.
NZCCSS member agencies in Christchurch:<
Presbyterian Support
Presbyterian Support fortunately had only one staff member injured in the quake. A number of staff have had extended whānau or friends injured or killed.
None of Presbyterian Support 4 city sites are operational because of power/water/sewerage issues and the Bealey office is inside the cordon, although they were able to get it inspected and cleared structurally yesterday. It is hoped that they can get permission to re-occupy the building soon. Staff members who are able are supporting the co-ordinated emergency response and working in their neighbourhoods in the meantime and ensuring clients get support through that where needed. They will continue that approach over the next couple of weeks then assess how ‘business as usual’ fits in. It is anticipated that there will be huge demand down track for social support as the situation drags on and informal responses tire. There will also be significant delayed stress and grief over time.
Catholic agencies
Catholic Social Services Christchurch office in Cashel St is closed but not badly damaged and may be able to be used according to their Senior Worker.
St Vincent de Paul main centre in Stanmore Road is out of action NZCCSS has no knowledge of the Waipuna Trust at Woodham Road Avonside at this stage
Nazareth House Catholic Rest Home is one of four rest homes that have had residents evacuated because of lack of water and sanitation.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been providing food for people and they are coping with demand and able to provide more If needed. They are also sending neighbourhood teams into the community to make contact and see what assistance people need.
Anglican agencies
Anglican Aged Care has had to residents from apartments in the Bishops Park Retirement Village evacuated, with most going to family and friends. The Anglican City Mission is closed and unable to be operated at this time. This will be reviewed once the building has been properly inspected. Archbishop David Moxon is in Christchurch offering spiritual support.
Methodist agencies
Christchurch Methodist Mission – the Durham Street church next to the Mission’s offices collapsed in the earthquake. The Mission’s offices have been evacuated and they are working to establish operations in another location.
Baptist
The Baptist social work in Christchurch is delivered from their church bases. Ruby Duncan, NZCCSS President, who is currently with family in Christchurch, reports that this network of support is functioning well with workers and volunteers providing local support. She noted that many of the Baptist support people have been hit hard by the earthquake and while some are able to continue with supporting the community, others need to regroup with their families.
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