Direct Relief’s Post

⚡️Disaster preparedness is key⚡️ With Hurricane Helene making landfall as a category 4 storm, our team is once again reminded of the need for a tangible disaster plan for MCOs. Socioeconomically disadvantaged families are particularly vulnerable during catastrophic events. Research indicates that low-income families, certain racial and ethnic groups, the elderly, children, individuals with disabilities, and those residing in substandard housing or specific geographic areas suffer disproportionately in various ways during disasters. Here are three steps you can take toward mitigating those challenges and better preparing your members and staff for what to do should a catastrophic event occur: https://lnkd.in/gAyVjxE9

The Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference (GHC) is the nation’s largest and best-attended conference focusing on hurricane planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation! The GHC is an opportunity to learn from the successes of others and identify proven best practices, as well as learning what mistakes to avoid before it’s too late. Cloudburst’s disaster response and housing specialists — Sara Hicks-West, Disaster Subject Matter Expert, and Brian Roccapriore, Disaster Lead for the Homeless Assistance Team—have been invited to present at this year’s conference, May 12-17, in West Palm Beach, Florida. At their session, "Disaster Casework for Pre-Disaster Unhoused and Precariously Housed Clients," Sara and Brian will present to emergency managers about programs that have been previously successful at transitioning people out of disaster shelters into stable housing solutions, even when they may not qualify for traditional disaster assistance programs. This population is typically overlooked or ignored as resources are applied to those who had access to and can prove their housing status prior to the disaster.  However, for those who lived unsheltered prior to the disaster and have sought safety within a disaster shelter, this is a prime opportunity to connect these households with stable and sustainable housing, which will pay dividends to a community economically as well as better prepare them for the next disaster impact. Cloudburst is committed to tirelessly working to ensure vulnerable populations are able to secure shelter, particularly in times of disaster. Resources: Learn more about the Importance of Disaster Preparedness: https://lnkd.in/dgFZUw_7 To learn more about the Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference: https://flghc.org/ To learn more about Cloudburst’s homeless assistance and disaster response work: https://lnkd.in/gzyuXqfi #flghc2024 #flghc #disasterpreparedness #vulnerablepopulations #housing #disastershelter #shelter

Rural communities may struggle to recover in the wake of a hurricane, wildfire, or other major disaster for a number of reasons, including fewer resources and limited broadband. This GAO report looks at what more can be done to help rural communities recover after disaster strikes.

As Hurricane Beryl wreaks havoc across Texas, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing countless families. In the wake of this catastrophic event, one of the most critical resources for affected individuals is emergency temporary housing. Hurricane Beryl made landfall with ferocious intensity, battering coastal regions with high winds, heavy rainfall, and severe flooding. According to recent reports, the storm has left thousands of Texans without electricity, and homes. The immediate aftermath of such a disaster presents a host of challenges, and addressing these challenges swiftly and efficiently is key to the prediction, prevention and management of global disasters. Essential Roles of Emergency Temporary Housing 1. Immediate Shelter and Safety: Provides a safe refuge for individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes. In the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Beryl temporary shelters offer a crucial respite from the storm's aftermath by providing a secure environment where individuals can recover. 2. Preserving Health and Well-Being: In the wake of a hurricane, access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care becomes a pressing concern. Temporary housing units are often equipped with necessary amenities. By ensuring that displaced individuals have access to basic necessities, emergency housing plays a significant role in the management of preserving public health during global disasters. 3. Enabling Resource Allocation: With temporary housing solutions in place, resources can be more efficiently allocated to address other critical needs, such as infrastructure repair and long-term housing solutions. This streamlined approach helps ensure that aid is distributed effectively and that recovery efforts are comprehensive and well-coordinated. The devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl allows for emergency temporary housing to be an beacon of hope and stability. It is a crucial element in the immediate relief efforts by providing shelter. Temporary housing plays a pivotal role in the management of helping communities rebound from disaster. As we continue to address the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, it is essential for government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations to collaborate and ensure the prediction, prevention, and management of global disasters to those in need. This collective effort will not only aid in the immediate recovery but also pave the way for a more resilient and prepared future. #DisastersRelief #EmergencyHousing #CommunitySupport #Recovery #DisastersExpo #InnovationInAction

📢 Dr. Sam Penta was recently featured in Spectrum News, discussing the growing concerns about FEMA’s funding during this year's hurricane season. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, this topic is more relevant than ever. Read her full insights here: https://lnkd.in/e244pEPM #FEMA #EmergencyPreparedness #DisasterResponse #HurricaneSeason #ClimateChange #DrSamanthaPenta

🚨 Hurricane Helene is on the way, and the Red Cross is on the ground, ready to help. With powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding expected, hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers are already in place and ready to provide food, shelter, and essential supplies. Red Cross Response: ✔️Disaster workers: Hundreds of trained Red Cross disaster workers from all over the country are working closely with community partners and local officials to ensure help is available where needed. ✔️Evacuation shelters: The Red Cross and partners have evacuation shelters open across the affected area in which more than 2,500 people sought refuge overnight. All are welcome. ✔️Food and supplies: In addition to trailers of disaster supplies pre-positioned earlier this year, the Red Cross is readying some 45,000 snacks and ready-to-eat meals and deploying numerous emergency response vehicles. Learn more about our efforts https://rdcrss.org/3ZBtM3J.

As many continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, those in the path of Hurricane Milton must remain prepared. At Caring, we understand the role of senior living communities and senior care agencies in ensuring the safety of residents, clients, and staff during uncertain times. Our Disaster Preparedness Guide is tailored to support senior living communities, senior care agencies, caregivers, and families in taking proactive measures before, during, and after a storm. From building a comprehensive emergency plan to prioritizing senior care needs, we’re here to help you stay resilient and ready.

Key aspects in this Quick Read: Hurricane Helene, disaster recovery, healthcare, hospitals, emergency preparedness, hurricane, extreme weather For daily news and analysis for the Facilities subscribe to the Facilities Peek newsletter here www.facilitiespeek.com

Article Spotlight from National Low Income Housing Coalition  Hurricane Helene’s devastation across the Southeast has left many without power, homes, and access to essential resources. Over 100 lives have been lost, and thousands remain displaced. As communities recover, those already facing housing insecurity are among the hardest hit. With millions still without power and homes severely damaged, the storm highlights the urgent need for equitable disaster recovery, particularly for low-income and unhoused communities. Housing stability is critical to rebuilding resilient communities. Learn how you can support those affected and find federal assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov. Federal assistance applications can be found at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or via the FEMA app. Read FEMA’s hurricane preparation advice at: https://lnkd.in/g9UmBrh Link to article: https://lnkd.in/eyrv696Y) #endyouthhomelessness #homeless #homelessyouth #housingisahumanright

🌪️ Florida, we stand together! 💔 Hurricane Helene has caused devastating damage across many areas of Florida. 🏠💨 If you or someone you know has been affected, there are resources available to help you navigate the recovery and rebuilding process. My heart goes out to everyone impacted, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. 🌈💙 There’s always light after the storm. 🌟 Here are some helpful resources: 🏠 Housing Help & Shelter: Florida Housing Finance Corp.: Works with state and federal officials to provide information on disaster relief and recovery resources and information. Operation Blue Roof: Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: The Section 203(h) program allows the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure mortgages made by qualified lenders to victims of a major disaster who have lost their homes and are in the process of rebuilding or buying another home. It helps victims in presidentially designated disaster areas recover by making it easier for them to get mortgages and become homeowners or re-establish themselves as homeowners. 🚨 Emergency Alerts & Assistance: AlertFlorida: Stay updated on local emergency alerts 🔨 Repair Help: Florida Disaster Contractors Network: Connects homeowners with licensed contractors for emergency repairs. For more details, visit Hurricane Insurance FAQ. https://lnkd.in/eBbzhS2J Stay safe, stay strong, and reach out if you need any help! #HurricaneHelene #FloridaStrong #RecoveryResources #RebuildTogether #StaySafeFlorida #realtorscare #realtor #kimconnects #kimconnectsyourrealestateconnection