Immediate Relief / Individual Support

Support for individuals in the aftermath of a disaster is vitally important. Necessary support includes temporary shelter, clean water, food, supplies, sanitation, and healthcare. Hundreds of millions of dollars are raised by the nation’s largest disaster response nonprofits that supports immediate relief and critical needs mentioned above. And yet, direct financial assistance to individuals remains a critical need.

Emergency first responders and non-governmental organizations carry out immediate relief work in the hours, days, and weeks following a disaster. First responders assist with evacuations, initial first aid, clearing and examining structures, and many other activities that allow a community to begin processing a disaster. NGONon-governmental Organizations respond by assisting with temporary shelter, food needs, clothing, and water. In some cases, federal and state aid may be allocated, but there is a critical need for long-term individual case management. Long-term case management would provide support as immediate relief groups transition out and rebuilding begins.

Preparedness in this particular area is especially key. The more prepared individuals and families are, the better positioned communities and businesses are to bounce back following a disaster.

1. Advocate for families to be financially prepared ahead of time. This means compiling copies of bank information, identification and social security documents, recent tax returns, medical records and more.
2. Have a disaster plan for your organization – and include your key partners in the process. This will allow you to respond immediately in the way that makes most sense for your organization’s purpose.
3. Be prepared to fund the immediate needs – short-term food, shelter, household items and cash – and make decisions about how you will meet those needs ahead of time. But also remember to hold some funds for the long-term needs that will surface.