Crisis Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Day in and day out, communities depend on United Way to coordinate, network and marshal resources to improve lives. In times of disaster, those skills become even more critical.

Disasters may take the form of an act of nature such as a hurricane, tornado, blizzard, fire, flood, earthquake or pandemic. Crises may also result from man-made incidents including tragic accidents, school or workplace violence, civil disorder, corporate mismanagement and terrorism.

During times of crisis, whether in areas directly affected by disaster, or in regions that welcome large numbers of displaced people, United Ways across the country play direct roles in 2-1-1, volunteer and in-kind donations management, and long term recovery coordination.  United Ways also support such critical services as: meeting basic needs, child care, case management, health and mental health care, financial stability programs (job training, emergency mortgage assistance), home repair, legal services and transportation.

Throughout the recovery period, United Way will continue to coordinate community  resources and invest strategically to make the biggest impact to people who are suffering.