Meetings on faith-based response to disasters to be held in Cape

Gov. Jay Nixon wants to enhance an already good disaster-response relationship between the state, and faith-based organizations and a meeting in Cape Girardeau will kick off a series of regional meetings to discuss how.

Nixon met Wednesday in Jefferson City with a group of religious leaders and emergency management officials to discuss the state's Faith-Based Disaster Initiative. The initiative seeks to speed help to people who are victims of natural disasters.

"Following this winter's devastating ice storm, and again after tornadoes and severe weather hit Missouri in the spring, I witnessed faith groups selflessly assisting the survivors of those disasters," Nixon said in a news release. "It was vital and important assistance. I want our state disaster response agencies to do everything they can to empower these faith groups and partner with them to provide the best assistance possible to Missourians whenever a disaster strikes.

The meeting for Cape Girardeau is set for Sept. 21, but no location or time has been finalized, said Scott Holste, a spokesman for Nixon. That meeting will be followed by sessions in St. Louis, Jefferson City, the Springfield/Joplin area and Kansas City. The regional presentations will include hand-on training, tools and other resources for local efforts.

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.