With Florida's 2010 storm season on its way, many have questioned whether faith-based groups known for providing disaster aid will be prepared despite the effects of the recession.
"I've never heard of a case where the faith-based organizations haven't been able to respond" to catastrophe, said Diana Rothe-Smith, executive director of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, a group that coordinates disaster-relief efforts between government and nonprofit agencies.
And The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, much like the Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Convention and other religious organizations, believe they will hold true to the precedent. Lynn Samsel, director of humanitarian emergency response and community services for the LDS Church, said the national church has found donations of cash and supplies to be ample whenever disaster strikes. Currently, Mormon storehouses around the nation are stocked, and its trucks, planes and volunteers ready to go whenever called on.
"Despite the economic challenges, I think people are very concerned about their neighbors and want to help out and be there and available," Samsel said.