The response of faith-based organizations in New York City following the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.

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In the event of a disaster, faith-based organizations respond at multiple levels within the effected community. Local organizations with pre-established congregations and membership affiliations serve as consistent sources of support to the surrounding community. Their constancy in the time prior to the disaster make them a source of leadership in the provision of services in the immediate aftermath of disasters throughout their community. Their congregational base lends to an immediate pool of volunteers who can be mobilized to provide support to those who are directly affected by the disaster. Faith-based organizations in New York opened their buildings for memorial services, made phone calls and visits to congregational members, offered supportive counseling both individually and in group settings, and joined with other leaders as a united front against religious and racially motivated harassment. Organizing to meet long-term needs of ministers, congregations and survivors directly impacted by the disaster began in these early days following the attacks. Interfaith and denominationally identified coalitions quickly formed and began organizing in order to address future issues that were a direct result of the disaster.