Page 4 – Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Insurance

Overview

Each natural disaster reminds us of the value of insurance to protect our homes and businesses. But with the news filled with stories about homeowners still waiting to settle claims, or insurance covering less damage than expected, what is the role of private insurance in disaster recovery?

The answer, unfortunately, varies for each individual situation. Geography, history of disasters in a particular area, and the type of catastrophic event all impact how easily—or how challenging—it will be to recover following a natural disaster.

One of the underlying issues is the rise of natural disasters over the past decade. Insured losses from U.S. tornadoes and thunderstorms—the most costly of weather events — topped $25 billion in 2011, more than double the previous record of 2010, according to the industry trade group the Insurance Information Institute.

Tornadoes were the costliest type of natural disaster in 2011 based on insured losses, far outpacing hurricanes, which resulted in insured losses of $5.5 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

To respond to the rise of disasters—and the dollars needed to pay out following an event—U.S. insurance companies are now requiring higher deductibles, smaller reimbursements for incidents such as roof damage, and limits on the amount paid out for total reconstruction on a home.

For example, the insurance industry has changed the way it covers roofs—which are almost always damaged by the high winds of tornadoes. Most homeowners will find that their insurance policy will not cover the cost to replace a roof more than 10 years old. Instead, their insurer will pay the depreciated value.

In most of these cases, consumers opted for less generous policies in search of lower premiums. Still, people with tornado damage are likely to encounter a more straightforward claims process than residents with hurricane damage. This is because tornado damage is almost exclusively caused by winds, and leads to fewer “unknowns” for both sides than when damage is also caused by flooding, which typically isn’t covered by standard homeowner policies.

Floods Pose Special Challenges

Landslides, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters can bring on floods. But while a homeowner may, for example, have earthquake coverage, that coverage may not apply to a flood resulting from an earthquake.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the country. From 2002 to 2011, FEMA states that flood claims averaged more than $2.9 billion per year. Those living in high-risk areas stand a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Those who live in lower-risk areas — where many people don’t purchase insurance — still account for 20 percent of claims.

One of the biggest challenges is that most people do not understand how flood insurance works, says Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders, an advocacy organization for the insured.

Nationwide, only 20% of American homes at risk for floods are covered by flood insurance. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that 33 percent of U.S. heads of household still hold the false belief that flood damage is covered by a standard homeowners policy.

After Superstorm Sandy hit the northeastern U.S. in 2012, many homeowners found they were uninsured for flooding damage. Had they purchased flood policies, which are typically bought from the federal government, they would have had greater protection from the wrath of Sandy.

On trips to New York and New Jersey, Bach has seen countless houses sitting and “rotting” since Hurricane Sandy struck.

“This is like a whole other level of people whose house is gone — it has to be demo’d and drug away,” says Bach. “And they maybe got $350 from their insurance company for spoiled food. These are the houses of those who never bought flood insurance.”

Flooding is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from: overflow of inland waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, and mudflows.

Most private insurers do not insure against the peril of floods due to the prevalence of adverse selection, meaning that the likely purchaser of flood insurance will be by people at the highest risk for floods—such as those living on or close to bodies of water. In traditional insurance, the model works because of economics: by charging a relatively low fee to large numbers of people, insurers can then pay a loss to those who file a claim.

Unfortunately, in flood insurance risk calculation scenarios, the numbers of claimants is higher than the number of people interested in protecting their property from floods. As a result, most private insurers view the probability of generating a profit from providing flood insurance as being remote.

However, most people can buy flood insurance backed by the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program. Bach suggests that most homeowners should. “Flood insurance is accessible to most people, and [they] will be glad they bought it when a flood takes place,” she says.

In exchange for federal help in the event of flooding, participating communities agree to adopt ordinances that meet the guidelines of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reduce flood risk.

Flood insurance prices vary widely depending on the risk of the location, the physical condition of the building, how much coverage is purchased, and the deductible amount.

Anyone residing in a community participating in the NFIP can buy flood insurance, including renters. However, unless one lives in a designated floodplain and is required under the terms of a mortgage to purchase flood insurance, flood insurance does not go into effect until 30 days after the policy is first purchased. “You would not believe how many people call for flood insurance once the storm has hit,” says an NFIP representative, “and then it’s too late.”

What You Can Do To Help

Investigate flood insurance for your own properties: Insure your own home or business against flood insurance so that in the event of a natural disaster, you are protected and can help others who may not be. Encourage your grantees to secure insurance, as well. Visit National Flood Insurance Program.
Help fill the gaps left by deductibles: In some cases, a check for $500 is enough to help someone pay the deductible to rebuild a home or recover possessions after a natural disaster.
Fund pro bon legal programs: Too often, people lose their insurance paperwork in the disaster and need help navigating the system. Fund pro bono legal service organizations to help people get their claims filed efficiently and accurately.

Sources

FEMA
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
National Flood Insurance Program
United Policyholders

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InterAction

Overview

InterAction was founded in 1984 under the name the American Council for Voluntary International Action. It is a 501(c)3 organization and receives funding from membership dues, foundations and “stakeholders such as the U.S. government, UN agencies and partner institutions.”

According to its mission statement, “InterAction is a convener, thought leader, and voice for NGOs working to eliminate extreme poverty, strengthen human rights and citizen participation, safeguard a sustainable planet, promote peace, and ensure dignity for all people.”

As a consortium of NGOs working internationally in humanitarian and development work, InterAction has some overlap in membership with National Organizations Active in Disasters (National VOAD), as well as international consortia such as the International Council for Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) and Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR), both based in Geneva.

InterAction focuses on 12 issues; among them, the following are those more specific to their work on disasters:

“Crises and Countries in Conflict: InterAction monitors and offers support to members working to address crises happening around the world, such as natural disasters, conflict where civilians are displaced or harmed by ongoing conflicts.
Global and Public Policy Positions: InterAction and its members advocate for U.S. Government funding of poverty-focused development programs and humanitarian relief, while also engaging on issues like foreign assistance reform, democracy, rights, and governance, global health, food security and nutrition, water and sanitation, and humanitarian access.
Humanitarian Coordination: InterAction serves as a hub for its members responding to humanitarian emergencies by coordinating information and engaging with the United Nations and the U.S. government to improve timeliness and accountability for effective responses. InterAction is one of three global NGO consortia with representation at the UN-led Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), a global governance body that ensures coherence of preparedness and response efforts, formulate policy, and agree on priorities for strengthened humanitarian action.
Humanitarian Practice: InterAction supports the efforts of humanitarian agencies working together to provide a predictable, coordinated, well-resourced and holistic response to conflicts and natural disasters.
Prevention of Sexual Abuse, Exploitation and Harassment: InterAction works with Member organizations to drive forward a holistic and integrated approach to the prevention and response of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH) for staff and the communities they serve in both humanitarian and development settings.
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: InterAction focuses on reducing the risk civilians experience during crises by educating its members, partners, and world leaders to ensure non-combatants are respected and protected as outlined by international humanitarian law.
Risk Management and Regulatory Issues: InterAction organizes tools and research for nonprofits operating in high-risk environments to better identify, measure, and manage risk within their programming and policies, while also advocating to ensure regulations do not unnecessarily restrict humanitarian operations.
U.S. Foreign Assistance: InterAction strives to educate policymakers about the critical role of U.S. foreign assistance and advocates for robust federal funding for poverty-focused international development and humanitarian programs implemented by U.S.-based NGOs.”

Key Facts

Results-Based Protection is an InterAction initiative that uses a problem-solving approach to “address complexity and the ever-changing environment that surrounds protection issues in humanitarian action. It underscores the importance of starting from the perspective of those experiencing violence, coercion, and deliberate deprivation, and embraces aspects of systems-practice, design-thinking, and other comparable methods that emphasize iteration, adaptability, relationships, interconnectedness, and strategic collaboration to achieve protection outcomes.”
InterAction developed the CEO Pledge on Preventing Sexual Abuse, Exploitation, and Harassment by and of NGO Staff. Signatories said, “this represents our commitment to practices and policies that will not only protect our own staff, but also the communities we serve. While standards and legal frames already exist, this pledge is our promise to take additional steps towards greater success.”
The maintenance of key standards is important to InterAction. They work to increase NGO accountability by supporting member organizations to “ensure they adhere to certain ethical guidelines that govern NGO governance, financial reporting, fundraising, public relations, management practice, human resources, and program services.”
InterAction 180 members manage more than $15 billion in programs worldwide. They also work in almost every country around the world.
InterAction has a staff team of approximately 50 people. Their staff team includes people with a variety of skills, including “policy advocates, researchers, practitioners, fellows, and communicators.” In addition to the Executive Leadership, Administration and Fellows, the staff is divided into three program team areas: Global Development Policy and Learning, Humanitarian Policy and Practice and Membership and Public Engagement.

How You Can Help

Provide ongoing operational and administrative support to InterAction’s member organizations. Many InterAction member organizations may be limited in their service provision depending upon how much money is raised – often in a crisis – to support their work. Administrative or ongoing operational funding allows them to concentrate their efforts on service provision.
Support the ability of the humanitarian team to continue their efforts in advancing the NGO voice in global policy and practice shifts. Long-term, multi-year funding is particularly important to allow the organization to plan and implement multi-year strategies.
Create your version of the CEO Pledge and encourage your grantees to do the same. International (and domestic) humanitarian aid is steeped in power relationships. During a crisis and particularly following a catastrophic disaster, women and girls are at risk for sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

What Funders Are Doing

Approximately a third of InterAction’s funding comes from membership fees. The remaining is made up of grants from governmental and philanthropic partners, including SDC, SIDA, USAID, UNHCR and, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ClimateWorks Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Tides, the UPS Foundation and Wellspring Philanthropic Fund.

Learn More

InterAction.org
InterAction: Member Directory
InterAction: NGO Risk Management
InterAction: NGO Coordination Structures and the Localization Debate

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Internally Displaced People

Overview

According to the UN OCHA’s Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, “internally displaced persons [IDPs] are persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights or natural or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized state border.” IDPs remain within their own country – even when that government is responsible for their displacement. They may be unwilling or unable – physically or financially – to leave their homeland and instead migrate within their country to another area.

Children belonging to families displaced from Miran Shan, North Waziristan at IDP Camp, Bannu. (Credit: UNICEF/Pakistan2014/Asad Zaidi)

Refugees are different from internally displaced people who, while also forcibly displaced from their homes, cross an international border. They are also different from migrants who choose to travel to another country for work, education or to reunite with family.

Who is an Internally Displaced Person?

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), “Millions of people are forced to flee their homes or places of habitual residence each year, including in the context of conflict, violence, development projects, disasters and climate change, and remain displaced within their countries of residence. Millions more live in situations of protracted displacement or face chronic displacement risk. As of the end of 2018, 41.3 million people were living in internal displacement because of conflict and violence. These numbers show that internal displacement is a crisis of enormous proportion and yet, the world is largely unaware.”

In 2018, 28 million people were new displacements, associated with conflict and disasters. Of these, 10.8 million were from conflict while 17.2 million were from disasters. Disasters therefore represent nearly two-thirds of new displacements. Of the disaster displacements, 16.1 million were weather-related disasters (i.e. storms, floods, extreme temperature, drought) while 1.1 million were geo-physical (i.e. earthquakes, volcanic eruption). The countries with the largest number of disaster-related new displacements were the Philippines and China at 3.8 million people each; India, at 2.7 million and the United States at 1.2 million. A study by IDMC in 2015 showed substantial numbers of people still displaced 5-10 years after significant earthquakes (Haiti), cyclones (Bangladesh), volcanic eruptions (Papa New Guinea) and other natural disasters. It is unknown how many people remain displaced overall because of disasters.

Regionally, the IDMC reports the following new displacements for each region:

Sub-Saharan Africa – 7.4 million for conflict and 2.6 million for disasters. Millions of people were forced to flee their homes as a consequence of ongoing and new conflicts and violence, as well as droughts, floods and storms. Internal displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa was higher than in any other region. Africa is the only region with a convention protecting the rights of IDPs.
Middle East and North Africa – 2.1 million for conflict and 214,000 for disasters. Conflict and violence continued to drive internal displacement in the region, with more than 2.1 million new displacements in 2018. Almost 11 million people were living in internal displacement as of the end of that year, accounting for more than a quarter of the global total.
East Asia and Pacific –236,000 for conflicts and 9.3 million for disasters. Over a third of the total new global displacements were recorded in the region; most were triggered by disasters. From highly exposed countries such as the Philippines, China, Indonesia and Japan, to small island states and territories such as Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Vanuatu, the impacts varied significantly across the vast region.
South Asia – 544,000 for conflict and 3.3 million for disasters. Large-scale displacement in South Asia was once again triggered by a series of floods, storms and droughts, as well as unresolved conflicts and violence. Nearly 14 percent of global internal displacement was recorded in this region.
The Americas – 404,000 for conflict and 1.7 million for disasters. Weather-related disasters once again impacted several countries in the Americas in 2018. In addition, unresolved conflict, criminal violence and social and economic crises continued to push people to flee.
Europe and Central Asia – 12,000 for conflict and 41,000 for disasters. A total of 53,000 new displacements were recorded across this region in 2018. In addition, almost 2.9 million people were living in internal displacement as of the end of that year, the result of old and unresolved conflicts and territorial disputes in several countries.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “Extreme weather events provide the most direct pathway from climate change to migration” but in the longer-term “sea level rise, coastal erosion, and loss of agricultural productivity … will have a significant impact on migration flows.” In anticipation of worsening conditions, “moving and settling people to new locations might become an increasingly viable protection option,” as reflected in the Brookings Institution, Georgetown University and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Guidance report on protecting people from disasters and environmental change through planned relocation.

It is understandable for funders to be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers—and potentially put off by the violence, political situations and other complexities often involved. However, here is the challenge: those who have been displaced—even within their own nation’s borders as IDPs—can face unimaginable humanitarian hardships. And when it comes to IDPs in particular, there is no binding international law or agency with the full authority/formal responsibility to ensure they receive the assistance they need. (See Kampala Convention for more information on what actions could help.) It is especially challenging for those internally displaced due to conflict rather than natural disaster. In some cases, the ruling government could be responsible – directly or indirectly – for the displacement and actions they take may continue to perpetuate ongoing displacement and further movement.

Key Facts

Much progress has been made in ensuring care for IDPs in recent years; the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, for example, was a strong start. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre has been at the forefront of collecting statistics and keeping track of the protection and assistance needs of IDPs throughout the world.
In attempting to help those displaced, lack of access can be the biggest issue. IDPs typically are located outside of camps in either remote or urban areas, making them harder to reach and assist. In addition, if conflict is involved, they may be in areas that are considered unsafe.
If conflict is involved, humanitarian assistance may need to remain fluid. This means funders must be more flexible since they will likely need to put more trust in partnering nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) than they are accustomed to doing. Programs may be managed remotely and therefore may be less transparent.
Those who are displaced are often the poorest or most vulnerable from the outset. This is especially true with IDPs; the more money available, the farther travel is possible—including to another nation, where refugee status may help with access to services.
Roughly three of four people who are displaced are women and dependent children. As a result, issues such as health care, nutrition and education must remain at the forefront.
Acute natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods are often the cause of displacement. But slow-onset natural disasters, such as persistent drought and rising sea levels, on the rise due to climate change, are bringing new questions about assistance for those affected. Many governments are already contemplating and implementing measures to move vulnerable populations out of harm’s way. However, the relocation of at-risk populations to protect them from disasters and the impacts of environmental change, including the effects of climate change, carries serious risks for those it is intended to benefit, including the disruption of livelihoods and loss of cultural practices.
Displacement may result in major population shifts. After a disaster, even when an area is inhabitable again, people may choose to continue living in their new location, especially if housing or job prospects are minimal in their place of origin. Gentrification following disasters may make their original home unaffordable. IDPs in international contexts (e.g. Syria, Venezuela) may be displaced for years. Domestically, displacement is usually shorter but it should be noted that approximately 25 percent of Hurricane Katrina IDPs did not return to New Orleans.

How to Help

Recognize that IDPs in conflict situations are among the most vulnerable persons in the world. As a funder, it may still be possible to be involved in providing humanitarian assistance without “taking sides” in the conflict itself. In any event, humanitarian aid should be provided impartially and be seen as nonpolitical and based on need alone.
Build capacity of—and increase advocacy for—those already working in the field. This is especially needed, as there is no lead international agency with oversight for IDPs, in contrast to refugees who are under the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Support education programs that will prepare the next generation for working on humanitarian issues. Foundationally, build compassion among youth for those who are different from them. And, recognize that as the challenges grow, so too must the skills and expertise of humanitarian workers—many of whom are facing life-threatening situations in assisting and protecting refugees and IDPs.
Support ongoing efforts to implement international principles, policies and laws concerning IDPs. In addition, work to ensure those displaced are recognized as citizens with rights. The Kampala Convention – aka the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa – recently celebrated its tenth anniversary and has been ratified by 28 countries on the continent. However, it is the “world’s first and only continent-wide legally binding instrument for the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons.”
Continue studies of climate change and its impact on natural disasters. Of special concern: slow-onset natural disasters such as drought and environmental degradation, as they impact food security and therefore compound issues.
Fund entrepreneurial and sustainable livelihood efforts for those displaced. Many IDPs are educated, professional citizens with much to offer their host communities.
Increase understanding of land tenure issues and how they affect those displaced. The restoration of land and property rights, for example, is a key component of long-term recovery.
Incorporate solutions for IDPs into emergency planning from the very beginning. Even better, ensure that IDPs, host communities and area civil society organizations are involved in planning and program delivery. Those displaced are able to help make informed decisions.
Support efforts to better document and identify IDPs. Not only will this help ensure access to services, it could also help reduce the number of IDPs turning to “negative coping mechanisms” in the case of an emergency, such as early/forced marriage, prostitution, child labor etc. Some populations are particularly vulnerable, such as children, the older adults, and those with disabilities.
Give to the CDP Global Recovery Fund, our exclusive Fund for international disasters. This fund provides an efficient, flexible solution to expedite a donation to address medium- to long-term recovery at sudden on-set disasters or protracted humanitarian emergencies.

What Funders Are Doing

The CDP Global Refugee Crisis Fund distributed six grants totaling $486,441 in 2016 and 2017. The fund focused on capacity-building efforts to protect people forcibly displaced within Syria. It was used to strengthen community-based protection initiatives for women and adolescents struggling through the ongoing conflict, as well as programs to improve adolescents’ psychological well-being through leadership training, education services and trauma support. Most of these grants are listed below. The remaining grant is listed in the Refugees Issue Insight.
In 2016, Concern received a $122,000 grant from the CDP Global Refugee Crisis Fund to build the capacity of networks and groups around the protection of vulnerable groups displaced by abuse and exploitation. In 2017, Concern was given an additional $100,000 to support the expansion of two child-friendly spaces supporting nearly 500 children and their caregivers a year.
Mercy Corps received a $123,000 grant from the CDP Global Refugee Crisis Fund to provide gap funding to support two No Lost Generation Community Centers providing education and trauma support to more than 360 adolescents, their families and communities in Syria. In 2017, Mercy Corps received an additional $100,000 to provide a safe space for adolescents to gather and to provide access to education including life skills training, language lessons, debate sessions and computer classes.
In 2017, Maram Foundation for Relief and Development received a $37,691 grant from the CDP Global Refugee Crisis Fund to undertake facility and capacity improvements for the school they run for internally displaced children.
In 2016, the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund gave the Feminist Initiatives Foundation (FIF) a $5,000 grant for their “Improving Employability Skills in IDP Women and Girls” in Gori, Georgia. They also granted FIF $5,500 in 2018 for the same type of activities.
In 2017, Hickey Family Foundation gave International Medical Corps a $250,000 grant to support reproductive health activities for IDPs in Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo in response to natural disasters.
In 2016, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation gave a grant of $100,000 to Goreniye for comprehensive support to internally displaced persons and others affected by conflict in Ukraine. Through a network of legal advice centers, Goreniye provided primary and secondary legal assistance to displaced victims of conflict in four regions.
Global Greengrants Fund Inc., gave Unypad-Ranao a $2,696 urgent action grant in 2017 to provide psychosocial first aid and play therapy for affected children and parents in the Marawi siege. The grant addressed post-trauma stress to enable affected parents to become more effective in securing their needs and concerns as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Learn More

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Landslides

Overview

Workers search through sludge following the 2014 Washington Landslide. (Photo courtesy of FEMA)

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) landslides are a “movement of a mass of rock, debris or earth down a slope. Landslides are a type of ‘mass wasting,’ which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity. The term ‘landslide’ encompasses five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads and flows. These are further subdivided by the type of geologic material (bedrock, debris or earth). Debris flows (commonly referred to as mudflows or mudslides) and rock falls are examples of common landslide types.”

Gravity is the primary factor in landslides, but erosion, saturated ground, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, excess weight from rain or snow contribute to ground movements (rock falls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows).

The majority of landslides do not affect humans, but the ones that do are devastating to homes, businesses and infrastructure. A 2014 slide in Oso, Washington essentially buried an entire neighborhood when an unstable hill collapsed and sent a cascade of mud and debris across an area coving about one square mile.

Most major landslides are so-called “secondary hazards” triggered by another disaster, like an earthquake, volcanic eruption or erosion after a wildfire; the majority of tsunamis are triggered by underwater landslides. Experts believe that a September 2018 tsunami in Palu, Indonesia was likely caused by such a landslide following an earthquake.

Key Facts

Landslides are the one natural disaster that can strike anywhere at almost any time.
On average, landslides cause between $1 – 2 billion in damage in the United States each year.
In the U.S., 25 to 50 people are killed in landslides annually, but worldwide that number is in the thousands.
Two of the largest recent landslides occurred in Washington state. The 1980 eruption of the Mount St. Helens volcano in the Cascade Mountain Range saw a landslide with a volume of material of 67 cubic miles. The March 22, 2014 landslide in Oso resulted in 43 deaths, with damage to approximately 50 homes and one square mile of land, rivers and infrastructure were destroyed.

How to Help

Planning reduces catastrophic loss. By investing in hazard analysis and mapping to guide land-use decisions, the potential for catastrophic loss can be reduced. By using GIS in combination with satellite images, it is possible to create detailed maps that show highly probable areas for future landslides. Land use planning, including zoning certain areas as unsafe for development will not always reduce the chance of a landslide but can minimize damage.
Physical barriers can prevent damage. In cases where potential landslides could affect existing structures, physical controls can be used. This can include building buttresses and walls or inserting anchors into the base of hills and slopes that show a high probability for landslide events.
Warning systems can save lives. In certain areas, monitoring and warning systems are warranted to guard against the loss of life. Landslide advisories make communities aware that rainfall may lead to debris-flow activity and they should take precautions if there is heavy rain. Landslide watches indicate that landslide activity is possible and preparedness activities should be undertaken, whereas a landslide warning means activity is occurring. Tsunami warning systems can also let people know to move to higher ground or otherwise out of harm’s way when a tsunami is predicted.
Support search and rescue or family reunification. Following a major landslide there is a need for specialized search and rescue teams who are trained in working in hazardous conditions. When a significant number of people are trapped or missing, funders can support family reunification centers and teams, as well as emotional/spiritual care for disaster responders.

What Funders Are Doing

The New York Life Foundation, which focuses on children’s bereavement issues, provided a $10,000 grant to Camp Fire following the Oso mudslides to enable children who had lost a family member to attend Camp Killoqua’sCamp Willie: a grief camp for young people in grades 2-12. Camp Willie is a decade-old program offered by Camp Fire to support young people through a combination of camp activities and programs to help with the experience of grieving.
The B. Cheney Foundation, which supports quality of life grants in areas where Mr. Cheney’s lumber company was active, made a $10,000 grant to the Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue Unit to support their efforts to locate victims of the Oso mudslide.
The Fondo Accion Solidaria made a $2,695 grant in 2016 to Sociedad Cooperativa Lequil Kuxlejal ta Cancuc to support the reduction of landslides in the members’ coffee plantations and plots. The goal was to plant fruit trees to stabilize the soil and diversify the shade species. The improved biodiversity served not only to diversify food sources but also prevent soil erosion.

Learn More

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LGBTQIA+ Communities and Disasters

Overview

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities experience the impacts of disasters differently than heterosexual and cisgender individuals.

First though, some grounding definitions. While lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer refers to the sexual orientation of individuals, transgender is connected to gender identity and expression. Specifically, transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth, while cisgender means a person’s gender identity matches the sex that they were assigned at birth. The plus is often used with the acronym LGBTQ to refer to the variety of other identities that fall under the LGBTQ umbrella.

There are a number of factors that increase vulnerabilities for LGBTQ+ communities during or after a disaster:

Isolation: High rates of isolation for LGBTQ+ seniors means they are more likely to be alone and less likely to have familial resources that can support receiving emergency messages and accessing assistance.
Distrust: The LGBTQ+ population also has a significant lack of trust in emergency responders and health care systems that have discriminated against them before.
Disrespect: Non-traditional structures of families can frequently be disrespected by emergency or recovery services resulting in families that become separated or unable to access appropriate resources (this can include FEMA, Red Cross and grant assistance).
Lack of Medications: Access to HIV medication or hormones can be limited or nonexistent as providers are unavailable or they undervalue the importance of maintaining these regimens.
Non-Affirmation of Gender: Shelter accommodations are often not compliant with appropriately affirming gender identity. Access to bathrooms or safe sleeping places is a problem in shelters. Congregate showers can reveal a trans person’s biological sex. People may be forced to stay in shelter areas that match their ID even if it does not match their gender presentation.
Harassment and Violence: Harassment of LGBTQ+ people often occurs in congregate living environments; this includes physical violence. Gender-based violence is common after disasters, particularly among trans women.
Survival Sex: Because of poverty and stigma, many LGBTQ+ people will engage in survival sex during a disaster in exchange for rent or a place to stay.

Key Facts

LGBTQ+ people make up a significant percentage of the U.S. population and are very vulnerable. According to the Williams Institute, LGBTQ+ people compose about 4.5 percent of the total U.S. population. However, it is recognized that this number is highly underreported due to a lack of inclusion in census data and a fear of admitting sexual orientation or gender in surveys. Of this population, 27 percent are food insecure (compared to 15 percent of non-LGBTQ+ people), 25 percent have income under $24,000 (compared to 18 percent of non-LGBTQ+ people) and nine percent are unemployed (compared to five percent of non-LGBTQ+ people).
Homosexuality is illegal in many countries around the world. According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA} report State-Sponsored Homophobia, “As of March 2019, there are 70 UN Member States (35%) that criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts: 68 of them have laws that explicitly criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts and 2 more criminalise such acts de facto. In addition, other jurisdictions which are not UN Member States also criminalise such acts (Gaza, the Cook Islands and certain provinces in Indonesia).”
At least 25-40 percent of homeless youth are members of the LGBTQ+ community. This means that their access to preparedness and emergency information is reduced. They may lack the means to evacuate and will find it difficult to obtain housing after a disaster as prices typically increase. A significant percentage of adults experiencing homelessness are also LGBTQ+.

How to Help

Begin by showing your support for LGBTQ+ communities.
Include pronouns in your signature block. This identifies you as someone who is aware of issues related to the trans community. For example: Jane Johnson, she/her/hers; John Smith, he/him/his or Chris Jones, they/them/theirs.
Include sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in your non-discrimination clause/harassment policies. Funders for LGBTQ Issues has a brief guide to help understand how to craft a policy and why it is important.
Ensure your forms are LGBTQ+ inclusive. If you ask for gender on a form, ensure you provide several options for gender including an “other” option.
Talk about the issues with grantees and other funders. Ask other funders about LGBTQ+ organizations they are supporting. Ask grantees how they are doing explicit outreach to LGBTQ+ communities.
Fund LGBTQ+ organizations when providing response and recovery funds after a disaster. LGBTQ+ organizations are not always the most visible disaster responders but those they serve are very vulnerable post-disaster and these high needs can strain the capacities of LGBTQ+ organizations.
Track LGBTQ+ populations served in grants to disaster response/recovery organizations. Many funders ask grantees to track a variety of populations served by their grants (children, women, people of color, older adults etc.). Similarly, you can ask grantees to track the number of LGBTQ+ people they served with your grants.
Track LGBTQ+ people on your board, staff and among grantees. Diversity metrics are an important piece of ensuring your organization is representative of the population you serve. In 2014, Guidestar (now Candid.) began tracking diversity data as part of its profiles on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

What Funders Are Doing

In 2017, the AARP Foundation gave the Montrose Center a $35,000 grant for Hurricane Harvey relief. Its mission is to empower LGBTQ Houston.
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) gave $24,999 in 2015 to Blue Diamond Society to provide immediate relief services to the displaced LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) earthquake survivors in Nepal. AJWS also gave a $6,000 grant in 2016 to the Organization for Gender Empowerment and Rights Advocacy (OGERA) to strengthen capacities and build the resilience of OGERA as a leading organization in Uganda that promotes and protects the rights of lesbian, bisexual and transgender and/or refugees who are involved in sex work.
In 2016, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee gave $10,000 to Bisdak Pride, Inc. to build strong LGBT organizations and networks in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Learn More

Funders for LGBTQ Issues
National LGBT Health Education Center: Emergency Preparedness and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) People: What Health Centers Need to Know
United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commission: Ending Violence and Discrimination Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex People

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Long-Term Recovery Groups

Overview

According to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters’ Long Term Recovery Guide, “A long term recovery group (LTRG) is a cooperative body that is made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business and other organizations working within a community to assist individuals and families as they recover from disaster. LTRGs are as varied in their structure as are the communities in which they work. The personality and operation of each group is unique and reflects local needs, available resources, cultural diversity, leadership style, and community support.”

Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) may use other language to describe themselves i.e. “recovery coalition,” “unmet needs committee” or “community roundtable” but the focus is always similar: providing coordinated service to enable everyone in the community to recover. LTRGs are often formed from and/or by the local Voluntary or Community Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD/COAD) if one is active in the area. Similarly, local emergency management recovery staff or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s staff acting as Volunteer Agency Liaisons (VALs) may help pull together the first few meetings.

The structure of an LTRG will vary depending upon impact of disasters, size of community, number of VOADs in the community, pre-existing strengths of community organizations, etc.; ideally, staff should be hired to run an LTRG or there here should be an organization dedicated to providing backbone support to help call meetings, form agendas, take minutes and enable communications. A fiscal sponsor is also needed to support fund development activities; this could be a community agency or a philanthropic partner.

Most LTRGs create by-laws to govern the work and sub-committees to carry out the activities of the LTRG in coordination with existing agencies. In Monroe County, Florida, a LTRG was formed to support recovery in the Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma. The sub-committees of that LTRG include: Crisis Counseling/Spiritual Care, Community Assessment/Unmet Needs Committee, Disaster Case Management Committee, Finance Committee, Donations Management, Volunteer Coordination/Management, Construction Coordination Committee, Government Coordination Committee and Communications/Public Relations Committee. Full details about the committee, minutes and bylaws are available here.

Each LTRG also needs to decide on its priorities as it is unlikely there will be sufficient funds to assist everyone who needs support. Many LTRGs focus on providing coordinated case management services to the most vulnerable populations affected by a disaster. Most LTRGs focus at a very local level — in most places a community or region, although in a large city LTRGs may be further broken down by area. After Hurricane Irma there were 20 LTRGs operating in Florida.

Watch the recording of our Hidden Gems: Funding Long-Term Recovery Groups webinar to learn more about long-term recovery groups and how to support them:
[youtube url=https://youtu.be/HpPezsTCSA8]

Key Facts

There is no right or wrong way to structure and run an LTRG. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, LTRGs should be adapted to meet the needs of their community to provide the most effective use of existing resources and supports.
FEMA VALs are able to provide start-up, technical assistance and support to local LTRGs as they are getting off the ground. This support is invaluable to reduce the time spent creating processes and structures since VALs are able to share promising practices from other communities and past disasters. They can also help explain the FEMA process and other services that may be available to support survivors.

How to Help

Become a fiscal agent. Each LTRG needs an organization to serve as its fiscal agent. This can be done by any 501c3 and the role is often fulfilled by the local United Way. Other philanthropic organizations and community foundations, in particular, can provide this service – particularly with no or low fees – to help their region recover.
Support administrative and operating costs. Like VOADs, the staffing of an LTRG is usually done by an existing staff member at a support organization. This then becomes an add-on to their post-disaster work. By providing ongoing, administrative and operational support, a funder can help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a group.
Participate in an LTRG. Instead of simply giving funds, consider joining an LTRG to get a better understanding of the disaster playing field, including the unmet needs of the most vulnerable populations in your community.
Recognize the implications of “long-term.” Disaster funding is often given in the immediate relief and response phase. However, long-term recovery groups are frequently active for years after a disaster and need ongoing funding throughout that time.
Provide multi-year funding. Allow LTRGs to focus on the clients rather than fund development by providing multi-year general operating support.

What Funders Are Doing

The CDP Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund provided a $250,000 grant in April 2018 to the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG). CBDRG is composed of government, faith-based and nonprofit organizations working together to support disaster recovery in the six counties in the Coastal Bend area. The grant is supporting work with case managers to identify an estimated 8,000 households and refer them to community resources for further assistance; purchasing materials for and coordinating the repair or rebuild of more than 100 homes; and starting an initiative to address additional unmet needs in the area.
The St. John United Way in Louisiana donated $125,000 to the St. John the Baptist Parish LTRG after Hurricane Isaac impacted the community in 2012. According to a parish press release in October 2014 on the close out of the LTRG two years after the storm,”As a result of coordinated efforts through the LTRG, the parish received recovery assistance from more than 4,000 volunteers nationwide completing over 190,000 hours toward rebuilding efforts in St. John. Approximately $486,559 in monetary funds and $256,672.80 in donated goods were allocated toward rebuilding efforts. The LTRG fulfilled 1,274 homeowner requests for assistance, including sheetrock, roof repair and carpentry work, in addition to remodeling 115 homes. An estimated savings to the Parish of $5.3 million for unskilled/skilled labor assisted in a total impact on Parish recovery of $7.2 million. Upon closing, all homeowner requests for assistance were completed and hundreds of families served.”
In 2013, the Robin Hood Foundation provided a $2.2 million grant to the Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group to seed unmet needs fund for Ocean County, New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy, where more than 6,000 households sustained losses between $5,000 and $17,000 and where 8,000 households experienced losses in excess of $17,000. The fund provides mental health support and cash assistance to rebuild and replace household possessions.

Learn More

National VOAD – Long Term Recovery Guide
Ventura County Fire LTRG

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Mass Shootings

Overview

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy does not include mass shootings of any kind in its taxonomy of disasters, nor do we respond or provide resources for mass shootings or other acts of public violence. However, due to numerous requests for information, below is some basic information on mass shootings to help funders impacted by an event in their community.

There is no commonly agreed-upon term to define a mass shooting, only “mass killing,” which Congress defines as three or more people killed in a single incident, not including the perpetrator. The Gun Violence Archive builds on that definition to define a mass shooting as “four or more people are shot or killed in a single incident, not including the shooter.”

Although all mass shootings are criminal acts, there are multiple kinds of shootings, which account for the different numbers reported.

The Gun Violence Archive does not exclude any shooting incident, as long as it meets the total number shot or killed. The circumstances in which they were shot, therefore, does not matter. As a result, their numbers tend to be higher than other lists, which is also true because they include victims and not just fatalities.

According to Guns & America, “The FBI does not use ‘mass shooting’ but rather tracks active shooter incidents. They exclude drug or gang violence and ‘accidental discharges of a gun.’ It says an ‘active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.’”

The initiative also “defines these incidents as the shooting of two or more people in a single incident, in a public place. This definition excludes crimes of armed robbery, gang violence, or domestic violence, focusing on cases in which the motive appears to be indiscriminate mass murder.” This is similar to the Mother Jones definition, except the magazine considers four victims rather than two.

Another area of confusion is school shootings. Although some trackers include any shooting that occurs on a school campus, the Government Accountability Office narrowed the definition to focus on “instances where students or staff were at risk [and] defined a school shooting as ‘any time a gun is fired on school grounds, on a bus, during a school event, during school hours, or right before or after school.’ This definition, therefore, would exclude suicides in a parking lot or a gang incident in a school playground on the weekend.

Key Facts

Mass shootings account for less than 1% of all firearm deaths. This statistic from 2009-2019 would be higher if mass shootings related to domestic violence are included in that number.
In 2019, there were 418 shootings with four or more victims, shot or killed. This is according to data tracked by the Gun Violence Archive.
Shootings have a negative economic outcome. A study by the Urban Institute on shootings in Washington, D.C., found that “Every 10 additional gunshots in a census tract each year is associated with 20 fewer jobs among new establishments, one less new business opening, and one more business closing the same year.”
Gun suicides – made possible by lack of gun control – result in more suicides in rural areas compared to urban areas. Guns & America says, “Firearms are the most common method of suicide and suicide accounts for the vast majority of gun deaths in this country. More than 24,000 Americans died by firearm suicide in 2018, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Studies from Everytown for Gun Safety and CDC found that rural suicides have increased disproportionately compared to urban suicide rates.
Active shooters are just one of several public attack methods. According to Ready.Gov, potential attacks in crowded and public spaces include, “Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties; individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties; individuals using homemade bombs to cause mass casualties and other methods of mass attacks may include knives, fires, drones or other weapons.”
Victims of crime compensation programs distribute billions of dollars annually. Federally funded through the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crimes (OVC) and state-administered, this fund is available to support victims of several kinds of violent crimes, including mass shootings. The spending limit was capped at around $500 million (serving 200,000 people) for several years but expanded in 2014 when the fund grew to more than $10 billion. From 2015-2019, compensation amounts ranged from $2.5 billion to $4.5 billion a year. The 2019 appropriation cap was $3.35 billion. According to OVC, money for these programs come from “criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties, and special assessments collected by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal courts, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Federal revenues deposited into the Fund also come from gifts, donations, and bequests by private parties, as provided by an amendment to VOCA through the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001 that went into effect in 2002. Since 2002, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been deposited into the Fund through this provision.” This revenue varies from year to year. In 2017, two billion-dollar fines, including $2.8 from Volkswagen for an emissions cheating scandal, increased the fund to $13 billion, but in 2018 only $445 million was added to the fund and $4.5 billion spent.
Gun control helps reduce mass shootings. Although there is no perfect solution to ending gun violence, research has shown that when gun control laws are stricter, there are fewer mass shootings. Some gun control advocacy groups grew out of tragic shootings such as Moms Demand Action for Gun Violence in America, which was founded in the wake of Sandy Hook. Moms Demand Action “is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. We pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families.”
Response to a mass shooting typically includes government, individual and philanthropic support. For example, after the Pulse Orlando shooting, CDP and Candid “identified 55 institutional pledges and transactions totaling $7.5 million in response to the tragedy” in its Measuring the State of Disaster Philanthropy report. “Twenty-six were directed to Strengthen Orlando, a Florida-based nonprofit affiliated with the OneOrlando Fund, created by Mayor Buddy Dyer in response to the shooting. The OneOrlando Fund focused its grantmaking on survivors and victims’ families and distributed a total of $31.7 million. Fifty-five percent (30 pledges/transactions) came from corporations, either through their corporate giving programs or their foundations. The two largest gifts were $1 million each: The Walt Disney Company Contributions Program and the NBCUniversal Contributions Program both announced gifts to the OneOrlando Fund. The U.S. Department of Justice also committed $8.5 million to assist victims, witnesses, and first responders; the grant was distributed through the Florida Office of the Attorney General’s Department of Legal Affairs.”

How to Help

In the U.S., the federal government has several resources to support victims of mass shootings. This financial support usually comes through OVC, a component of the Office of Justice Programs at the DOJ, as opposed to FEMA or the Department of Homeland Security as is standard with disasters.

Funders do have a role within their community if they wish to support response to a mass shooting. They can manage one or more funds for victims or first responders, support trauma-informed and supportive services, advocate around gun control and engage in community education.

Host a fund for victims. Many people want to make donations after a tragedy but do not know where to give. Often, individual funds are started on platforms such as GoFundMe. Still, a coordinated fund through a local or community foundation can help ensure an equitable and fair process for fund distribution. Depending upon the tragedy, there may be a need to support a fund for first responders who witness the violence or aftermath.
Fund mental health and trauma services. A mass shooting in a community can affect more than just those in attendance at the school, the event or the location where the shooting occurred. The broader community can also be affected. Broad, wide-ranging mental health and trauma-informed services are often required for several years to help heal the community.
Support advocacy efforts for gun control. In the aftermath of the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, the families of those killed formed Sandy Hook Promise. This national nonprofit organization seeks “to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to ‘know the signs’ and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.” Similarly, following the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, the teen victims and students created the #NeverAgain hashtag and began a social media and speaking advocacy campaign to prevent more school shootings. Everytown for Gun Safety has a number of research-based policy initiatives and solutions that can reduce gun violence, including mass shootings, domestic violence shootings, crime-based killings, accidental shootings and suicides.
Help build a collaboration of funders. After the shooting at the Pulse nightclub, several philanthropic serving organizations including, but not limited to, the United Philanthropy Forum, Funders for LGBTQ Issues, Change Philanthropy, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, Hispanics in Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy and Women’s Funding Network co-sponsored teleconferences to bring together national and regional funders and foundations that wanted to contribute to a response. By taking on the responsibility to organizing and host the events, these organizations allowed local funders affected by the shooting to focus on their community’s immediate needs. This funding and work should be directed towards supporting the larger community needs, not individual victims.
Contribute to the victims of crimes fund federally or to similar state/local funds. The spending cap is determined by the amount of revenue put into the fund. Donations can help ensure that victims receive full support after a mass shooting.

What Funders Are Doing

Government support is usually available to victims of mass shootings, including the families of those deceased, people who are shot and people in/at the location but not shot. Crime victim compensation is a federally-funded and state-administered program.

According to the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, “Compensation programs can pay for a wide variety of expenses and losses related to criminal injury and homicide. Beyond medical care, mental health treatment, funerals, and lost wages, a number of programs also cover crime-scene cleanup, travel costs to receive treatment, moving expenses, and the cost of housekeeping and child care if a victim is unable to perform those tasks. And states continue to work with victims and advocates to find new ways to help victims with more of the costs of recovery. … Maximum benefits available from the states average $25,000, with some states able to offer more, and some states having lower limits. Lower caps within the maximum are common for some types of benefits, like funeral and burial costs, mental health counseling, or lost wages.”

The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) set up a Conejo Valley Victims Fund after the Thousand Oaks shooting on November 7, 2018. VCCF did this in coordination with the City of Thousand Oaks, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Amgen Foundation, California Community Foundation and other funders. The Fund developed a protocol so that 100% of the funds went towards assisting the families of the victims who were killed or physically injured and those present inside the Borderline Bar & Grill that tragic night. The Conejo Valley Victims Fund’s payments are based on the severity of the injury to the victims.

The Contigo Fund was established in the aftermath of the Pulse Orlando shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub. Under the umbrella of Our Fund Foundation, a nonprofit LGBTQ philanthropic organization, Contigo’s mission is to fund, strengthen and empower existing agencies and emerging ones working to improve the lives of LGBTQ and Latinx individuals, immigrants and people of color in Central Florida. Unlike the Conejo Valley Victims Fund, Contigo funds organizations working on healing and empowerment, leadership development, bridge-building, racial/social/gender justice and work led by women/trans/gender-expansive/intersex leaders and youth. They focus on Central Florida’s diverse communities, especially building connections between LGBTQ, Latinx, Muslim, Immigrant and Black communities.

The OneOrlando Fund was used to bring together various funds, together with the National Compassion Fund, to allocate funding to four groups of people: individuals killed as a result of the Pulse Nightclub attack, individuals who were injured and had to spent at least one night in hospital, injured parties treated within 48 hours as an outpatient and individuals who were present but not injured.

In 2019, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust made a $5,000 grant to the Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada, Inc. TIP is a national nonprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to ensuring that those who are emotionally traumatized in emergency situations receive the assistance they need. TIP Northern Nevada has responded to the shootings at Sparks Middle School, Renown Medical Campus, Carson City IHOP and Hug High School.

In 2017, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga made a $1,500 grant to the American Red Cross to support Nevada Shootings and California Wildfires.

Learn More

FBI: Active Shooter Resources
Government Accountability Office: Characteristics of School Shootings
Everytown for Gun Safety: Mass Shootings in America
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence
Mother Jones: A Guide to Mass Shootings in America
Guns and America: What is a Mass Shooting?
Department of Homeland Security: Active Shooter How to Respond
Ready.Gov: Attacks in Crowded and Public Places
National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards: State Programs Map
OVC: What You Can Do If You’re a Victim of Crime Brochure
National Center for Victims of Crime
Legal Information Institute 34 U.S. Code Chapter 201: Victim Rights, Compensation and Assistance

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Media

Overview

When disaster strikes, first responders are followed by journalists, videographers and photographers from local, regional and national media organizations. While these storytellers provide valuable insights into natural or man-made catastrophes, journalists also risk their lives and sometimes the lives of their subjects in pursuit of up-to-the minute reporting.

42nd Air Base Wing Commander Colonel Eric Shafa and Eric Shields of FEMA hold a press conference at Base Operations in preparation for Hurricane Irma. (US Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox/Released)

Journalists on the ground relay the immediate effects of disasters, like the San Francisco Chronicle’s Lizzie Johnson reporting on the Camp Fire, the deadliest blaze in California’s history. In addition to writing stories, Johnson spent her free time posting photos and addresses from Paradise, letting residents know if their homes were still standing or burned to ash.

Similar on-the-ground reporting follows every disaster and it can inform how philanthropic agencies respond in the short-, medium- and long-term. But such reporting can come at a cost to journalists. An Australian journalist was recently awarded $180,000 in damages for PTSD, anxiety and depression from “being repeatedly exposed to traumatic events.”

Journalists also need to be aware of the risks involved with interviewing victims, children and youth, and other vulnerable populations in the aftermath of disasters. Programs like the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma can offer guidance and training on how to deal with such situations.

With print journalism facing a collapse of its advertising-driven business model, there has been a significant decline in the number of journalists working today. While staffing is generally sufficient to cover disasters and their immediate aftermath, local media organizations may lack the resources necessary to fully cover preparedness and prevention topics at the local, state and national levels. Few media outlets, even national ones, are able to cover the long-term impacts of a disaster and ongoing recovery challenges in a comprehensive way. Even big anniversary stories, one, five, 10 or 20 years after a disaster strikes, rarely capture the depth and breadth of ongoing needs or recovery efforts.

Key Facts

Be wary of initial reports from disasters. Journalists will relay estimates from officials, but those early numbers are almost always inaccurate. A clearer picture comes into view in the days and weeks after disasters.
Journalists are people too. At the local level especially, journalists can be just as affected by the disaster as the subjects they’re reporting on.
Reporters are accessible and responsive to the public. Journalists are generally willing to discuss how they produce their work and are open to new story angles. They also care about accuracy, but errors, particularly in high stress situations, do happen. If you know a reporter has published something that is incorrect, let them know in a polite, professional manner.

How to Help

Stay informed and share information. There are a number of media sources to help you stay informed about what is happening in the disaster realm. CDP has a weekly blog on current disasters (usually updated on Tuesdays) and regularly blogs about other disaster-related topics. The New Humanitarian (formerly IRIN News, originally the ‘Integrated Regional Information Networks’, left the United Nations in January 2015 to relaunch as an independent, nonprofit media venture) provides regular updates and in-depth stories about disasters around the world. Subscribe to their feed or check out their website.
Fund fellowships to train journalists on disaster reporting. Help journalists develop skills to cope with the trauma of reporting on disasters.
Support local and regional media organizations. These are the groups best positioned to tell the stories of local disasters. They are also likely to be affected by such disasters. Support can include sponsoring a journalist to work on a specific topic area.
Offer grants for topics that are under reported. Such grants can go to journalists working at news organizations or freelancers.

What Funders Are Doing

Information as Aid Citizen Reporters practice interviewing skills at a training in San Juan. These correspondents serve as the “eyes and ears” for all island residents. (Source: Internews)

Center for Disaster Philanthropy gave $100,000 to Internews Network to support the development of a two-way conversation between the Latino community and local government, media and nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County.
CDP’s Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund also gave The Texas Tribune $50,000 for “Public Service Journalism Covering Hurricane Harvey.” The grant will help the Tribune continue to provide coverage on Hurricane Harvey that is not already being provided by other news outlets – going deeper on policy and infrastructure issues, tracking response in Washington and watching the long-term effects on the economy and the demographics of the region.
The New Jersey Recovery Fund gave $150,000 to the NJ Spotlight for a collaborative project with WNYC/New Jersey Public radio combining in-depth accountability journalism with community engagement to chronicle and support New Jersey’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy.
National Endowment for Democracy gave nearly $50,000 to Transitions Online in Prague, Czech Republic, to support a workshop on data journalism, which seven participating journalists used to produce 14 investigative articles.

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Mental Health and Trauma

Overview

According to mentalhealth.gov, “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health problems.”

While the first and last factors may certainly be impacted or exacerbated by disasters, life experience is the usual connection between disasters and issues with mental health. A disaster can be seen as a “trauma with a capital T,” to distinguish it from smaller-scale traumatic events one may encounter in life such as life or job changes, relationship breakdowns or financial stress. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that trauma “has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.’”

Pre-existing conditions, cultural awareness and understanding of mental health, access to health and mental health services and the extent of the disaster are all factors that come into play in understanding the impact of a disaster on someone. Since each person has a different starting point and a different social and community safety net, the same disaster will affect each person differently. For someone who was already dealing with mental health issues, a disaster may be a final straw.

According to the SAMSHA there are a number of risk factors or warning signs related to post-disaster stress and trauma:

“Eating or sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people and things
Having low or no energy
Having unexplained aches and pains, such as constant stomachaches or headaches
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications
Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else
Having difficulty readjusting to home or work life.”

Additionally, the anniversary of the event or certain sights, sounds and experiences may trigger emotional distress. Those who have lived through major hurricanes for example, often find severe rain storms and hurricane season generally to be stress-inducing.

Increasingly, in mental health circles there is a focus on trauma-informed care. This kind of therapeutic intervention occurs when a program or organization recognizes the “widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for healing; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.”

Trauma-informed services work to meet clients “where they are” rather than engaging in processes that could re-traumatize them. For nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and philanthropy, this could include extensive outreach to disaster survivors and coordinated intake to avoid people having to retell their story repeatedly.

Key Facts

Since its launch in February 2012, the Disaster Distress Helpline has received over 63,000 calls and text sessions. The “Disaster Distress Helpline, accessible by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TalkWithUs to 66746, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.”
There is no health without mental health. Mental health issues can interfere with a person’s daily life, work, ability to learn, physical health and relationships with others, which in turn impacts social and economic development. In the context of humanitarian crises, mental health is critical to recovering from disasters and the ability to rebuild.
A tremendous stigmatization remains with mental health. When stigmatized, those who need help are less likely to access care, less likely to stick to medication or therapy schedules, and less likely to receive support from loved ones.
A general lack of understanding/awareness of mental health issues persists, particularly in nations in the Global South. Lack of knowledge of issues hinder community members from living active, productive lives.
In the United States and many other countries, suicide rates increase after disasters. Suicide is the 10^thleading cause of death in the U.S. and the number two cause for young people aged 15-34. For every successfully, completed suicide there are approximately 30 attempts. In 2019, there were at least 47,511 completed suicides. Following disasters in the U.S., this increases sharply. For example, in Puerto Rico, following Hurricane Maria, there was an increase from 19 suicides per month in the eight months before Maria to 25 suicides per month in the first three months after Maria. In Japan, after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, there was a decrease in the overall suicide rate (although female suicides went up) for the first two years and then there was an increase. This speaks to the need for long-term mental health supports.
Pre-existing mental health issues are exacerbated by disasters. Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that “the burden of mental disorders continues to grow with significant impacts on health and major social, human rights and economic consequences in all countries of the world.”
Health systems, especially in the Global South, do not provide adequate mental health supports, even before a disaster strikes. WHO states that, “. . .the gap between the need for treatment and its provision is wide all over the world. In low- and middle-income countries, between 76% and 85% of people with mental disorders receive no treatment for their disorder. In high-income countries, between 35% and 50% of people with mental disorders are in the same situation. A further compounding problem is the poor quality of care for many of those who do receive treatment.”
Psychosocial support should be integrated into primary healthcare efforts to ensure needs are met during periods of disaster. Healthcare providers in clinics, for example, can be trained in the basics of mental health symptoms and potential treatments for more holistic—and effective—care.
Those with severe mental health issues prior to a crisis must be taken care of so they can better cope when that crisis occurs. The stronger the mental health reserves of the individual, the better able that person is to handle “normal” reactions of shock, grief, loss, insecurity, etc.

How You Can Help

Fund activities and programming that are integrated into wider systems. These efforts will likely reach more people, be more sustainable and carry fewer stigmas. Consider activities and programming affiliated with community support mechanisms (school systems, general health services, general mental health services or social services). Stand-alone services—such as those that deal only with rape survivors or people with a particular diagnosis—may be less effective in reaching people who do not consider themselves to have mental health issues. All health services after disasters should include a mental health component.
Fund child-friendly spaces. Child-friendly spaces provide children who are living through the stresses of conflict or post-conflict life—or those who have survived terrifying events like an earthquake or tsunami—with a safe, protected, carefree environment where they can learn, play and grow. A welcoming, stimulating atmosphere, regular routines and structured time all help children to regain a sense of normality and overcome some of their problems. Support child-centered spaces immediately after a disaster, both in shelters and in the community, and then for an extended period during recovery.
Make compliance with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings a criterion for supporting mental health and psychosocial projects. Composed of experts from more than 30 international agencies, the IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings produced these guidelines as minimum standards and a guide to best practices in emergency settings based upon extensive, ongoing reviews of evidence-based practice.
Partner with local NGOs and healthcare providers to address severe mental health issues prior to disasters. Identify people in need and help them build relationships with a range of mental health providers who are community-based and culturally diverse. Ensure that necessary medications and other supplies will be available should disaster strike. It is important to begin planning for the development of a sustainable mental health system early in the recovery process so that all supports do not leave once the immediate crisis is resolved.
Use the Sphere Handbook’s suggestion for key actions to address mental health to be taken in the days immediately after a catastrophic disaster. These include: coordinating mental health and psychosocial supports across sectors, basing programs on identified needs and resources, strengthening community self-help or support services and providing information for staff and volunteers on psychological first aid.
Foster public awareness programs that can reduce the stigmas associated with mental health issues. Community support and understanding can help ensure those affected receive the help they need—as well as prevent unnecessary costs and complications.
Invest in training for healthcare workers to better communicate, recognize and treat mental health issues in emergency settings. This can cut down on duplication of efforts and confusion.

What Funders Are Doing

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy provided a $35,000 grant to University City Children’s Center in Missouri in 2016 to provide emotional and mental health support for children and their families post disaster through its Midwest Early Recovery Fund. The Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund awarded Texas Children’s Hospital $779,917, to be spent over two years, for the expansion of the Trauma and Grief Center at Texas Children’s Hospital’s Mobile Unit program. The funding will increase access to best-practice care among traumatized and bereaved children affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Chevron Corporation Contributions Program provided Save the Children a $750,000 grant in 2017 to provide mental health support to 50,000 children in the Houston region affected by Hurricane Harvey through the Journey of Hope.
Foundation for Louisiana provided a $10,000 grant to the Bridge Center for Hope to create a trauma and resiliency conference after the Great Flood of 2016 in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provided a $199,821 grant to the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County in 2015 to fund relief and recovery efforts for New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy by sustaining and expanding mental health and related social services.
Global Greengrants Fund Inc., provided a $2,696 urgent action grant in 2017 to Unypad-Ranao for psychosocial first aid and play therapy for affected children and parents in the Marawi siege. It included provision of trauma debriefing session and healing play therapy to children in the underserved areas in Marawi City and addressing post-trauma stress to enable affected parents to become more effective in securing their needs and concerns as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee provided Syria Bright Future two $21,500 grants for their work with Syrian refugees in Turkey. The 2016 grant was used to conduct three trainings based on the Mental Health Gap Action Program that will equip trainees with the skills necessary to support the mental health and psychosocial well-being of Syrian refugees in Turkey. The 2017 grant supported the implementation of three separate trainings: 1) training twelve Community Case Workers in identifying individual needs and making referrals; 2) training six mental health professionals on the particular mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) needs of refugees; 3) training six primary care physicians on the essentials of MHPSS so as to be able to treat the most common mental health disorders found among refugees.

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Monsoon Seasons

Overview

While often thought of as long-term heavy rain over a specific area, a monsoon is actually the name for a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing winds. It can bring either extremely wet or extremely dry weather to an area.

Damage in the flood-affected areas of the Sindh province after a monsoon season in Pakistan. (Source: U.S. Marines)

Like hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones, monsoons are a product of tropical latitudes – especially where a large land mass is close to warm waters. While those weather events measure their lifespans in days or weeks, monsoons measure their lifespans over the course of entire seasons. The North American monsoon season in the southwest United States and northwest Mexico runs from June 15 to September 30.

Monsoon seasons are generally classified as either summer or winter monsoons depending on whether the prevailing winds blow from the coast (summer) or from the interior (winter) of a continent. Summer monsoons are the weather phenomenon that is most commonly associated with the term “monsoon,” with heavy long-lasting rains.

Winter monsoons are less well-known because they generally do not bring major weather conditions. However, they blow a lot of dry air from the interior of a continent that can bring about drought, water shortages and crop failures.

Summer monsoons happen when large land masses heat up. The heat from these land masses causes the air atop the land mass to heat up and rise through the atmosphere. This creates an area of low pressure that pulls in cooler moist air, creating the right conditions for the heavy rains that summer monsoons are famous.

Winter monsoons are the reverse; water off the shore of a land mass heats up and rises, creating an area of low pressure that pulls in dry air from over the land mass down towards the water.

Because monsoons occur in the tropics, many of the places that are affected are both densely populated and considered to be still-developing countries that often have high levels of inequity and poverty. Summer monsoons can bring heavy rains that destroy homes, damage infrastructure, wash away crops and destroy Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. During winter monsoons, dry weather can lead to drought and crop failures from lack of moisture. As a result, people who are already vulnerable because of their socio-economic status, who are experiencing poverty or homelessness, or who are otherwise vulnerable are disproportionately affected by monsoons.

Key Facts

Monsoons are both helpful and harmful. Although we often associate monsoons with harmful and destructive rain storms, the rains they bring are important for crop production. Summer monsoons in Asia are essential to bring enough water to the area to grow rice and other crops. When monsoons are stronger or weaker than normal, there can be significant problems with food security and crop production.
Pollution and climate change are affecting the strength and predictability of monsoons. Monsoons both affect and are affected by global climate, and as the climate changes, monsoons change as well. When pollutants in the atmosphere absorb heat, they limit the amount of heating that monsoons rely on to move both dry and moist air. This means that moisture is not distributed in the same ways it has been historically, resulting in changes in precipitation across the globe.
Monsoons are a global phenomenon. While monsoons are traditionally associated with south and southeast Asia, they also occur in Australia, many parts of Africa, and parts of North and South America.
Natural features can be key to mitigating damage from both winter and summer monsoon seasons. Features such as mangroves, natural plants and grasses, community gardens, and other natural landscapes can help during both summer and winter monsoons. During summer monsoons, they will help absorb heavy rains while also stabilizing the ground in which they live. During winter monsoons these same features will help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the possibility of long-term drought or crop failures.
Monsoons are not individual weather events and meteorologists are trying to change the language people use to talk about them. According to Arizona State University: “The term ‘monsoons’ as in ‘when the monsoons arrive …’ is a meteorological no-no. There is no such beast. The word should be used in the same manner that ‘summer’ is used. Consequently, the proper terminology is ‘monsoon thunderstorms’ not ‘monsoons.’”

How to Help

Invest in resilient low-cost housing initiatives. Summer monsoons often bring devastatingly heavy rains, flash flooding and landslides that disproportionately affect people who are living in poverty and without access to resilient housing. Investing in resilient, affordable housing initiatives will allow more people to access housing that can withstand what the summer monsoon brings each year.
Fund community scale projects to preserve and restore natural features. Mangrove forests play an important role in helping to stabilize and mitigate the effects from both summer and winter monsoons. Native forests and grasslands as well as urban forestry and agriculture projects like community gardens, natural features will help absorb heavy rains, stabilize soils and retain moisture.
Support clean energy and pollution reduction projects. Pollutants in the atmosphere are disrupting the historic monsoon patterns while climate change is amplifying the effects of monsoon seasons. Reducing pollutants and minimizing the effects of climate change will help monsoons to return to historic and predictable patterns.
Fund sustainable development by local entrepreneurs and businesses in regions that are affected by monsoons. Sustainable local developments that support local entrepreneurs and businesses will help them to be more resilient, better prepared and able to recover more rapidly when they experience effects from summer and winter monsoons.

What Funders Are Doing

The Levi Strauss Foundation donated $60,000 to Oxfam America’s disaster relief in Bangladesh and India after the 2017 monsoon floods.
A group of anonymous funders from Australia made a $5,805 donation to the UNHCR to support development of sustainable and resilient refugee encampments to minimize the risk to Rohingya refugees ahead of the 2017 monsoon floods.
The American Jewish World Service provided the Boudha Bahunipati Project – Pariwar with a $10,000 grant to help build monsoon-resilient housing to replace homes that were destroyed as a result of the 2017 earthquake in Nepal.
Caritas India received a $398,400 grant to support food security and agricultural recovery from Cordaid after the 2013 monsoon seasons brought both flooding and drought to the Bihar region of India.

Learn More

CDP Issue Insight: Drought
CDP Issue Insight: Landslides
CDP Issue Insight: Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones
CDP Issue Insight: Floods
CDP Issue Insight: Emergency and Interim Shelter
CDP Issue Insight: Nutrition
CDP Issue Insight: UN Cluster Approach
National Weather Service – Climate Prediction Center: Monsoons
National Park Service: Monsoon Season
NASA Visualization Explorer: The Science of Monsoons
UK Meteorological Office (Video): What is a Monsoon?

We welcome republication of our content. Please credit the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.