The center would be supervised by a director appointed
by DHS secretary Michael Chertoff, in consultation with
the director of the White House’s Office of Faith-Based
and Community Initiatives.
Several agencies have such faith-community initiative
centers, including the Departments of Labor, Housing and
Urban Development, and Justice.
Chertoff said in a statement that the new center would
contribute to “a culture of preparedness in communities,”
and would enable the department to better channel
resources in times of crisis.
He also said he looked “forward to building upon several
long-standing relationships, as well as forging new ones,”
through the department’s new faith and community center.
The order further directs DHS “to provide the center
with appropriate staff, administrative support, and other
resources to meet its responsibilities under” the order.
