As we’ve seen, faith-based groups must work to make sure their buildings can weather the storm. That’s why the UTSA-CCS research team developed our toolkit.

Going forward, we picture a Sacred Places Heritage Resilience Network whose members will use these tools. UTSA-CCS is set to provide technical support to such a network. And we’re ready to partner with other researchers in the Texas Gulf Coast.

But from the start of our work, UTSA-CCS knew a permanent network should be led by a nonprofit group, not a university.

Partners for Sacred Places, a nonprofit based in Philadelphia, is currently considering how to lead a Heritage Resilience Network for Historic Houses of Worship. Partners has done similar work throughout the U.S. Plus, one of their staffers was part of our team. Partners is the logical choice to pursue the network.   

Image credits: Photos of churches taken by UTSA-CCS personnel.