When it comes to preparedness, the Disaster Response Ministry of Mission to North America (MNA) is about to take a giant leap forward in its ability to offer relief following natural and man-made crises.

Renovations are underway to transform a former furniture showroom in Rome, Georgia, into a warehouse that will provide storage and serve as a training facility for the relief ministry. The Charles H. Jones Family Disaster Response Center, named after the foundation that raised seed money for the project will open this fall. According to Sherry Lanier, Disaster Response Facilitator, the warehouse will expedite MNA’s ability to serve communities in need.

The 15,000 square foot facility will not only provide storage for emergency supplies, it will also contain 2 classrooms for training, a kitchen and showers for volunteers, and space to assemble flood, cleaning, school supply, hygiene and construction kits for the  Sheds of Hope program. Once renovated, the warehouse will be ready to receive supplies ranging from generators, tools, tarps, roofing materials, and construction equipment.

MNA is currently seeking a full-time warehouse manager and volunteers to staff the facility after renovations are complete. Lanier said that Disaster Response will host an open house this fall, “after the storm season has passed.”