Missouri State University students, faculty, and staff have been pivotal in responding to various natural disasters to serve those in need. Our hearts go out to all our neighbors, students, and colleagues affected by recent flooding. Missouri State University Students are able to apply for the Emergency Scholarship Fund, which provides support to students to finish their education, despite emergency situations.
Give to the MSU Emergency Scholarship Fund
There are two ways the university community often responds to natural disasters:
Relief
This is focused on immediate needs, donations and support provided through strong humanitarian organizations.
We encourage people to donate money before providing goods/services. Monetary donations are able to be used better by organizations that are involved in relief efforts and can be “stretched further.” Here are a few organizations leading the charge:
- MSU Emergency Scholarship Fund | DONATE HERE
- Convoy of Hope | DONATE HERE
- American Red Cross | DONATE HERE
- Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri | DONATE HERE
We should be cautious on providing donations. Money is always the preferred method for donations. In the coming weeks, the Center for Community Engagement will be compiling organizations to work with to assist the victims of flooding, identifying places to donate money and resources, and collecting information on any ongoing recovery efforts that are taking place with local community or campus groups. Please follow the CCE on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on relief efforts. We ask that if you have identified agencies or avenues to assist in the efforts that you share that with us by e-mailing AlexJohnson@missouristate.edu or calling 417-836-5774.
Rebuilding
The continual redevelopment of communities occurs over months or years. Missouri State University students, faculty, and staff have engaged in the rebuilding of other communities in the past and we always consider how we can assist with redevelopment efforts following the initial response.
- Work alongside the Center for Community Engagement and local organizations! | SIGN UP HERE
To ensure that our actions don’t have unintended consequences, we should be cautious before sending in volunteers that could potentially create a greater burden causing more harm than true aid. It is important to not assume the needs of communities, but rather, follow the lead of non-profit, government, and disaster relief organizations. We want to ensure that resources are used efficiently and service has a positive impact on affected communities.