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Disaster Corps Program -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l 1
Disaster Corps Program
Program Overview
Disaster Corps is an integral part of Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response. The concept for the program evolved from an awareness that more field support was necessary for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and national organizations affected by disasters. This specialized program aims to train and mobilize volunteer leaders, consultants and skilled Habitat staffers to support Habitat for Humanity disaster response and preparedness initiatives worldwide.
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Disaster Corps members receive training on disaster preparedness and mitigation and other important topics.
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Volunteers working on houses as a part of the Gulf Recovery Effort in 2007.
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Disasters impact lives around the world and can come with little warning or notice. Preparedness is a key step towards saving lives.
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Recent Activities
Disaster Corps Legacy Leadership Initiative
The Disaster Corps Legacy Leadership Initiative was the first component of the Disaster Corps program. In May 2005, this initiative was launched in partnership with the University of Maryland’s Center on Aging to engage baby boomers in disaster recovery efforts in the U.S. Gulf Coast region affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Participants became Disaster Corps Legacy Leaders by completing a two-week comprehensive lifelong learning institute. After graduation from the institute, Disaster Corps Legacy Leaders served on behalf of Habitat for Humanity to provide vital assistance to Habitat’s disaster-affected Gulf affiliates.
Disaster Corps TRAIN, BUILD, JOIN Events
Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response will be hosting training events in the future for individuals interested in joining Disaster Corps and committing to providing the skills and leadership needed to augment global response efforts. These events will allow members to receive the training they’ll need to support affiliates and national offices in whatever stage they are in within the disaster recovery process while also providing housing for families in need. The first event will be held in January 2008 in Biloxi, Miss., with another planned for fall 2008. For more information on future training events and how to apply, please contact Disaster Response at (800) 422-4828 or e-mail disaster@habitat.org.
Future Plans
In the future, support from Disaster Corps will provide the necessary personnel to manage effective and efficient responses to disaster events impacting housing throughout the world. This specialized group of volunteers will be used to augment the capacity of Habitat affiliates and national organizations to develop effective responses at the local level. Disaster Corps members will serve in areas such as logistics, project management, volunteer management, disaster preparedness and mitigation, response planning, resource development, and construction.
One of the areas that Disaster Corps will focus on is continuing to provide field and technical support to affiliates affected by disasters in the United States and around the world. Habitat’s presence in thousands of communities domestically and internationally places it in a position to be a leader in providing long-term housing solutions as a part of disaster recovery efforts. Disaster Corps members can come in and quickly provide key skills needed to organize efficient recovery projects.
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