Wednesday, May 21
Session 1: 10:15 am – 11:30 am
State Service Commissions and Disaster Services: Roles State Service Commissions Play in Disaster Preparation and Response
When disaster strikes, communities need immediate help. For many years, AmeriCorps has provided services in the wake of disasters, often the first to arrive and the last to leave. In many places, state and territorial service commissions deploy and organize AmeriCorps members and local volunteers on the ground in communities impacted by disaster, both natural and person-made. During this session, you will learn how commissions partner with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and others to leverage the full power of AmeriCorps programs, members, and volunteers. Examples and case studies will be shared in how commissions leveraged resources to be able to provide response and recovery efforts to events.
Multi-State Collaboration in Disaster Response: Going the Distance Together
When Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, it wasn’t just Florida that felt the storm’s impact—North Carolina also faced severe consequences. In the midst of this shared disaster, the collaboration between state emergency management agencies, voluntary organizations, and disaster response networks became a vital lifeline. This session will highlight the power of multi-state coordination, showing how Florida and North Carolina utilized their shared network to support each other’s response and recovery efforts, despite being hundreds of miles apart. The most notable example of this collaboration was the simultaneous opening of Multi-Agency Donation Warehouses in both states. By leveraging established relationships through national and regional VOAD networks, both states could quickly and efficiently manage donations, ensuring timely support for survivors. This partnership provided an opportunity to share best practices, coordinate resources, and maintain momentum in disaster response, illustrating how the strength of a unified disaster response network can go the distance. Through this session, we will explore the benefits of multi-state collaboration, including the exchange of resources, mutual support, and the integration of disaster operations. Attendees will learn how these practices can be applied in their own states and the critical importance of building and maintaining strong, interwoven networks to address both current and future disasters. Together, we can go the distance to ensure that no state faces a disaster alone.
Direct Financial Assistance as Long-Term Recovery Approach
Episcopal Relief & Development has partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana to respond to long-term recovery needs in South Louisiana following Hurricane Ida with a particular focus on undocumented, mixed-status and families with other complex legal statuses who may struggle to interface with formal government systems. This innovative program partners with trusted immigrant-serving community-based organizations to identify households outside the formal case management system, vet those households and provide them direct financial assistance which they use on their recovery as they see fit. These households are also invited to culturally-specific disaster preparedness trainings, case management, and to a texting platform that allows them to connect with staff and each other during storms and other crises for further resources.
Eastwick – A Resilient and Sustainable Future
In the middle of the pandemic lock-down, in August 2020, the remnants of tropical storm Isaias damaged dozens of residences in the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia. A former red-lined neighborhood of tight-knit community members, the two leading community organizations collaborated with the City’s Office of Emergency Management, PA VOAD members, to manage the repair efforts for the residents. In parallel of these efforts, the City’s Office of Sustainability created a strategic plan to create and implement a multitude of resilience measures to mitigate future extreme weather events. This workshop will afford the participant the lessons learned by the lead agencies on their successes, opportunities, and a road map for future communities to reduce the recovery time, and maximize community organizations toward a more resilient and sustainable future. This workshop will refer back to our presentation delivered during the NVOAD conference in Baltimore.
The 4 C’s at their Best: Leveraging Recovery Tools Workshop Modules for Local Success
In disaster recovery, “going the distance” requires equipping communities with tools and partnerships that support sustained, effective efforts. The Recovery Tools Workshop (RTWs) modules are invaluable resources for state and local VOADs, yet many remain unaware of their existence or potential impact. This session highlights how Hawai’i VOAD partnered with the NVOAD LTRG Committee to overcome challenges and maximize the impact of these tools. When faced with a lack of local SMEs, Hawai’i VOAD collaborated with the Mentor Sub-Committee to deliver eight RTW presentations over four weeks, held twice weekly. This innovative, virtual approach allowed participants from across the Hawaiian Islands to engage without the burden of travel, creating a sustainable and inclusive model for learning. Participants in this session will learn how to replicate this success by leveraging the RTW modules, fostering partnerships, and securing SMEs. The session will highlight RTW content, offer guidance on accessing and utilizing these resources, and provide actionable strategies for sustaining long-term recovery efforts. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped to “go the distance” in their own communities, building resilience and strengthening recovery networks.
House for Worship Migrant/Asylum Seeker Sheltering: Government & Faith Sector Solutions
A briefing on and technical assistance workshop on how the New York City leveraged houses of worship to provide dignified, community-centered shelter, hospitality centers and support services for 160,000+ migrants and asylum seekers – a replicable model adaptable for climate refugees and internally displaced populations. This collaborative initiative between New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), the NYC Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery, and NYC Emergency Management not only met urgent shelter needs but also strengthened the role of houses of worship to meet mass care needs. Participants will learn actionable strategies to develop and sustain houses of worship shelters in their own communities, including program design, resource management, and community engagement. This session will provide practical tools and resources, case studies, and innovative approaches to integrating houses or worship and FBOs into humanitarian efforts.
Going the Distance: Sustaining Public/Private Partnerships in Long-Term Disaster Response
The Going the Distance: Sustaining Public/Private Partnerships in Long-Term Disaster Response workshop will offer insights into fostering and maintaining collaborations between nonprofit organizations (Airlink) and private sector partners (pending confirmation from United Airlines, ALAN, and UPS Foundation as examples) in disaster response. The workshop will delve into best practices for developing enduring partnerships that enhance the effectiveness of disaster relief efforts. This is especially critical for the disaster response sector given the current funding environment. These private-sector partnerships are the way of the future for disaster response. Participants will learn how private sector entities contribute to disaster response, focusing on maximizing collaborations for sustained impact. The workshop will feature lessons learned from previous disaster responses, including case studies on Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Participants will gain an understanding of how these experiences can inform future initiatives.
VOAD: A Global Movement
Description Coming Soon!
Wednesday, May 21
Session 2: 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm
Empowering Recovery: Innovative Financial Aid Solutions for Disaster Survivors
The Maui Financial Recovery initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to disaster recovery, combining cutting-edge fintech with grassroots community engagement to support families impacted by the 2023 Maui fires. This workshop will explore how Maui Rapid Response, ESTHER, and Visa collaborated to launch a Guaranteed Basic Income program using reloadable Visa cards. Attendees will learn how the program identifies, approves, and supports families in need while monitoring spending to ensure alignment with recovery goals. Over six months, this initiative provided 20 diverse households with $500–$1,000 monthly, helping families rebuild their lives through financial assistance. Beyond financial support, the ESTHER platform facilitated robust data collection, tracking transactions, and gathering qualitative insights through family engagement. This interactive session will showcase how this program’s innovative structure balances technology and human connection. Attendees will gain practical insights into replicating this model, navigating challenges such as underbanked populations and choices of who and how much to fund, and leveraging partnerships to create sustainable recovery solutions. Join us to discover how this pilot exemplifies “Going the Distance” in disaster recovery.
From Hold Music to Hope: Revolutionizing Contact Centers for Disaster Recovery
Contact centers are often the first point of interaction for disaster survivors, making them a critical component of recovery efforts. However, outdated processes, long wait times, and inconsistent communication can lead to survivor frustration and eroded trust. This workshop will provide emergency management professionals with actionable strategies to modernize contact centers and deliver survivor-centered support. Attendees will explore practical solutions, such as trauma-informed training to improve staff interactions, digital tools to enhance efficiency, and proactive engagement techniques to foster trust. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to create scalable, resilient, and compassionate contact centers that meet the evolving needs of survivors and staff alike. This session is designed to empower participants with simple, actionable steps they can implement immediately in their own organizations. Whether you’re seeking to improve survivor engagement, streamline operations, or address staff burnout, this workshop will provide the tools and insights to transform your contact centers into lifelines for disaster recovery.
Climate Equity – Getting Involved with VOAD’s Newest Roundtable Discussing the Intersection of Climate Justice and Disaster Response
The recently launched climate equity roundtable discusses the intersections of climate equity and disaster response. Join this session to help shape the direction of this group – we want to hear what interests you, how you see climate change impacting your work and what you’d like to learn together. This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity for small group discussion and structured feedback so we can implement your ideas!
The Application of the Model for Adaptive Response to Complex Cyclical Disasters in Caring for School-Aged Children After a Disaster
It is often said that children are our future, but how often do we stop to think about what that means when more children are living through major disasters and crises with the uptick of community violence incidents and natural disasters due to climate change? Using the Model for Adaptive Response to Complex Cyclical Disasters (MARCCD) as a baseline, this curriculum outlines the effect that multiple, overlapping disaster experiences can have on children, with a particular focus on children from disadvantaged and marginalized communities most likely to experience hardship from those disasters. This includes children of color, children with disabilities, and refugee and immigrant children. With a team of subject matter experts, clinicians, and educators from organizations like Save the Children, the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and universities, this workshop provides practical guidelines and support for the people responsible with caring for school-aged children in traditional environments like schools, daycares, and after-school programs. Anchored in evidence-based and classroom-tested best practices, this guide is simple for any teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, or other caregiver to implement and consider. Attendees will come away from this workshop with actionable steps they can take to their organizations and to any schools, daycare centers, or programs in their community.
The Importance of Partnerships in Mass Casualty Events Across the Spectrum
This workshop will examine the similarities and differences in preparing and responding to a transportation accident, active shooter/criminal act and a natural disaster mass casualty event. The presentations will enlighten the group to the various agencies’ roles as well as stressing the importance of partnerships, pre planning meetings, training and exercises. This will be done through the lenses of the Red Cross, NTSB, and NC DHHS using several case studies including the 2019 KY Tornadoes and the 2024 Hurricane Helene NC response.
Winning the Marathon of Donations Management
During this workshop, a panel will focus on donations operations, including major challenges and new solutions, from recent disasters. An overview of all aspects of handling donations will be covered along with the importance of the whole disaster community collaborating throughout the disaster cycle to provide maximum benefit to all those affected by disasters. Specific examples of identifying and supporting marginalized and under-served populations will be included. Innovative steps to avoid the challenges of STUFF (Surplus Trash Useless to Frantic Folk) showing up in disaster areas and instead providing new products that are actually needed will be outlined. The presentation will include examining the importance of nonprofit, public-private sector, and government collaboration throughout planning, response, and recovery. Attendees will be encouraged to share their insights and participate in a question-and-answer session.
Going the Distance through the Emotional & Spiritual Care Committee
Emotional and Spiritual Care is an essential part of compassionate services throughout the disaster continuum. National VOAD’s 4 C’s of Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration form the foundation for identifying, applying, and practicing common standards in the important work of disaster services. Behavioral, emotional, and spiritual wellness is essential in responder support systems and organizations. Access and intentional use of established Emotional and Spiritual Care Points of Consensus, Guidelines, and other resources enable hallmarks of excellence in all national, state, and territorial VOAD member organizations. Participants will also have opportunity to hear and share lessons learned, best practices, and challenges experienced while providing emotional and spiritual care during disasters of all kinds. Through creative activities, stories, and visuals, participants will generate the synergy that only comes from collaborative sharing and listening by people fully committed to providing the highest levels of compassionate care through a sense of community, personal mission, and respect for the dignity of all mankind.
Wednesday, May 21
Session 3: 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Going the Distance: Bringing Health and Hope to Underserved Communities Across States Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Participants will explore how leveraging tools like social media, community networks, and mapping combined with the agility of small, focused teams played a pivotal role in rebuilding health infrastructure across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This session will highlight innovative strategies for delivering comprehensive healthcare, including mental health support, mobile medical services, donated supplies, and grant assistance. Additionally, it will delve into the power of community-based approaches, such as engaging local leaders and customizing interventions to reflect cultural contexts, to enhance the impact and sustainability of disaster response efforts. Attendees will gain insights into fostering resilience and driving long-term recovery in underserved populations.
Pet Shelters of the Future
Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina and the PETs Act, effectively caring for people and their pets is still an evolving component of shelter planning. There are currently three generally accepted models for pet sheltering, each of which has benefits and challenges. In this workshop, we will focus on the least common of the three: co-habitation. In the co-habitation shelters, people and their pets stay together in the dormitory and the animals are cared for exclusively by their owners. While co-habitation can create significant complications for shelter managers and jurisdictions, it also has the potential for better outcomes in resiliency and recovery for people and their pets. Using a series of recent case studies, we’ll showcase creative and innovative pet sheltering practices to demonstrate that co-habitation is possible, desirable, and the future of mass care.
Navigating Change: Supporting Migrant, Displaced, and Refugee Communities in Disasters
This workshop offers participants a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by migrant, displaced, and refugee populations in disasters. Starting with key definitions and distinctions, participants will gain insight into how to effectively communicate and serve these groups. The session includes a moderated panel discussion featuring subject matter experts and individuals with lived experience, sharing firsthand stories and practical insights into the barriers these communities face during disasters and their paths to recovery. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to bridge service gaps and engage with local organizations.
Supporting Infant Feeding in Disasters: Lessons from the SAFE Infant Feeding Team and CGBI Collaboration
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition’s SAFE Team (Support and Advocacy for Feeding Emergencies) mobilized to address the unique challenges of infant feeding in disaster-stricken areas. From navigating formula shortages to ensuring breastfeeding safety amidst water and power outages, the SAFE Team provided comprehensive support for families across Western North Carolina. This workshop will share the innovative approaches employed by the SAFE Team, including partnerships with the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI) to enhance evidence-based practices. Key topics will include conducting equitable rapid needs assessments, delivering culturally competent education, and creating scalable models for community-led disaster response. Attendees will leave equipped with tools and strategies to integrate infant feeding support into their disaster response frameworks, ensuring no family is left behind. Join us as we explore how going the distance in disaster response means prioritizing the most vulnerable, fostering collaboration, and building resilient communities.
Collaborative Solutions: The Intersection of Philanthropy and Academia in Fostering Equitable Disaster Resilience
This session will: 1) showcase and share successful collaborations between philanthropy, academia, and community-based organizations; 2) engage the audience in solution-focused dialogue around common barriers to disaster recovery and explore how evidence-based practices can help overcome these; and 3) provide concrete actionable recommendations on how to foster collaborative relationships with academic and philanthropic organizations that can support attendees and their organizations. The presentation will highlight the partnership between the Walmart Foundation and the Consortium for Equitable Disaster Resilience (CEDR) and showcase several of their innovative initiatives that have enhanced capacity among small community-based organizations, advanced community participatory research, and identified systemic barriers to disaster recovery. To demonstrate the power of collaboration and foster cross-sector and diverse partnerships in real time, this session will facilitate an interactive dialogue around shared struggles in the disaster recovery space. This dynamic dialogue will draw upon the diverse experiences and expertise from those in the room to identify and elevate possible solutions to some of these vexing problems. Resources highlighted in this session, including an open-source course developed by CEDR that covers such topics as AI’s use in the workplace and grant writing, will expose attendees to capacity-building tools available to them that can amplify and accelerate their work. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, tangible materials, and renewed inspiration to form partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries and propel communities toward a brighter, more resilient future.
Leveraging Blockchain Technology for Rapid and Transparent Disaster Relief: A Collaborative Approach
This workshop will explore the transformative potential of blockchain technology in disaster relief operations. Focusing on the Kare platform by AID:Tech, we will discuss how digital identities and blockchain facilitate rapid, transparent, and secure aid distribution. Through real-world case studies, including collaborations with organizations like Saint Vincent de Paul DSC and Endeavors, participants will gain insights into successful implementations and the impact on affected communities. The session will also cover best practices for establishing effective public-private partnerships to enhance disaster response and recovery efforts.
The LTR Orientation: The Important Pieces of an LTRG
As we are aware disasters, especially major disasters, are hitting areas that have never experienced them before or have not had one in many decades. It is important for NVOAD to continue to reach out and educate those who are new to disaster recovery. This LTR orientation is Important to all of those who are having their first experience with a disaster, whether natural or man-made. This will help the state and local VOADs have an invaluable impact on those affected. This session puts forward the concepts of a well used and successful response to community disasters. These best recommendations of NVOAD will support each community in their recovery by highlighting how each of the LTRG committees fit together and work as one to get the entire community recovered. Promoting the 4Cs through the work of over 100 partner agencies shows how NVOAD and its members provide the knowledge and leadership necessary for a successful recovery.
State Emergency Management Support for its Nonprofit Community in Disaster Response and Recovery
This session will highlight how Florida supports its nonprofit community, focusing on the collaboration between Volunteer Florida, Florida VOAD, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). Through strategic resources like Volunteer Villages, Multi-Agency Donation Warehouses, and fuel, Florida ensures volunteer organizations can effectively deploy and support disaster response and recovery efforts. Volunteer Villages, located near impacted areas, provide safe and secure lodging for volunteer groups, freeing up hotel space for survivors and ensuring that nonprofit dollars are directed toward recovery efforts. In rural areas like Taylor County, where hotel availability is limited, Volunteer Villages are essential for volunteer teams to serve survivors. This partnership enhances Florida VOAD’s ability to coordinate disaster response and recovery, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximizing impact. The collaboration between Volunteer Florida, VOAD, and FDEM strengthens the state’s disaster response framework by aligning nonprofit organizations with state and local emergency management efforts. This synergy streamlines donation management, volunteer deployment, and recovery operations, ensuring that both survivors and volunteers receive the support they need. This session will explore how these collaborative efforts provide critical support to Florida’s nonprofit community, highlighting best practices for integrating nonprofit organizations into the state’s disaster response strategy and strengthening overall recovery efforts.
Thursday, May 22
Session 4: 9:45 am – 11:00 am
Increasing Food System Resilience Through Long Term Recovery
The USDA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and FEMA Region 2 are excited to submit this abstract for admission into the 2025 National VOAD conference. The USDA Center and FEMA Region 2 long term recovery team have been collaborating over the years to support technical assistance and capacity building of its stakeholders, specifically in the US Virgin Islands in response to ongoing Hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. The team has provided access to customer service resources, subject matter experts, and facilitated peer to peer connections to support the work of on the ground partners to build resilience specifically in the agricultural and food systems sector. This has included close collaboration with the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition, and a planning process to host the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition Summit in February 2024. The convening brought together 200 in the U.S. Virgin Islands to discuss best practices, highlight innovation in food systems transformation, provide training and skill building for farmers and ranchers, and facilitate peer to peer engagement with regional partners. The presentation will feature a discussion of cases and best practices highlighted from the core organizing partners, as well as an interactive component where session attendees will participate in a series of scenarios. Discussion will also highlight how Federal, State, and Local Partners can collaborate to developing an enabling environment for local and regional food systems development.
Filling the Gaps in Disaster Response and Recovery – Use of CERT
The 2024 hurricane season highlighted the invaluable role of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in Florida, especially in rural communities that often face unique challenges during disaster response and recovery. CERT teams, with their diverse skill sets and local knowledge, are crucial in filling gaps across donation management, long-term recovery efforts, sheltering, and more. This session will explore how CERT teams were strategically deployed in Florida’s rural counties during the 2024 hurricane season to support and enhance disaster recovery operations. Rural communities often struggle with limited resources, which can result in slower recovery times and delayed services. In response, CERT teams were activated to assist with donation management, help local Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs), and provide shelter operations, ensuring that communities were not left behind. CERT volunteers played a vital role in managing and distributing donations, assisting in the operation of shelters, and supporting recovery coordination between local and state agencies. This session will focus on the successes of CERT deployments in Florida, emphasizing their role in bridging gaps between local and state resources and their impact on disaster recovery. We will share real-world examples of CERT teams in action, discuss best practices for integrating CERT teams into disaster operations, and highlight how they can be a critical component in the recovery process—especially in rural areas. By the end of this session, attendees will understand the power of CERT teams in filling gaps and supporting rural communities during disaster recovery, showcasing how these teams “go the distance” to help communities rebuild.
Mobile and Manufactured Home Residents: The Challenges in Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Legal Issues
Manufactured and mobile home residents face a myriad of challenges, often struggling to be recognized as legitimate communities and homeowners/residents. Preparation is challenging and disaster response is often hampered by people’s perceptions of these communities and homes. This is complicated by who owns the land and who owns the home, which may not be the same. For these reasons and more, the communities are not included in preparation activities and often wait for response after those in single or multi-family homes, and yet the need is at least as significant and the community ties often stronger. Repair is also challenging. Homes can be either mobile or fixed to the land. Options may be limited for older homes and wait times for reputable experts may be significant. Repairs can also be hampered by ownership issues. All these challenges mean that residents can encounter complex, layered legal issues, including those questions of personal versus real property, repossession versus foreclosure, and landlord-tenant versus contractual relationships among others. This panel will explore these issues and examine emerging disaster-related challenges, including new ownership dynamics and investment patterns that affect these communities.
Responding to Climate Disasters and Human Displacement Caused by Rapid Climate Degradation
Given the increasing frequency and severity of climate-induced disasters, it is clear that as a sector we need to shift how to respond now and in the coming years. People are already beginning to relocate because of disaster impacts, risks and costs, and this will only continue. This panel will discuss how to address these challenges in various ways, both through local House of Worship resilience hubs supporting displacement and resettlement in sending and receiving communities and other innovative and replicable programming models. We will also discuss how to access data to determine where to focus programming outside of directly impacted geographies in order to better prepare support for migrating populations.
Twin Realities: The Arts as Disaster Recovery Partners and Clients
The arts are critical in helping communities heal and recover after disaster, while simultaneously needing to be served by the emergency management system. These twin realities offer us the opportunity to make a significant difference by building stronger mutual understanding and connections. Recent disasters have magnified the role of the arts in community health and recovery, while revealing the confusion and challenges many artists and nonprofit arts organizations experience in navigating assistance channels after a crisis. Artists and creatives, often the ‘heart’ of their community, are prone to passing up resources and help they are entitled to, on top of the fact that the pipelines through which federal and other public support is available can be frustrating and opaque. This means artists/creatives are less able to return to their work, contribute to the local economy, and assist their communities through arts activities which provide healing and distraction. With a greater understanding of how the arts operate and can be part of the response and recovery process, responders can support and access partners and resources they otherwise may overlook. Experiences from the recent Kentucky tornadoes and floods, Lahaina wildfires and Hurricane Helene will serve as the backdrop for our conversation. The conversation will be informed by impact data from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and “Kentucky Arts in Disaster: An Impact Report,” published by the University of Kentucky, which dives into these twin realities and offers recommendations based on the 2021 Eastern Kentucky tornadoes and 2022 Western Kentucky flood events.
Building Disaster Financial Resilience (DFR) – People, Small Businesses, Non-Profits, Government, and Communities
This workshop, led by private & public partners, shares case studies of successes in collaborative efforts to build Disaster Financial Resilience, through practical case studies and tool kits. Join to see highlights of how these programs can be repeatable in other communities and/or organizations – with very practical timely steps for impact THIS season in 2025. Leaders will share stories and data of innovation in CareTech and FinTech applied to Disaster, and more broadly to programs to build financial resilience to longer term programs to support UBI, food and housing insecurity, more. Share about this “tech with a heart” in delivering funds to people in need – 1x or long term – fast, safe, with dignity. Share optional offering for Funders (non-profits, government, corporates), to add functionality to address/minimize waste, fraud and abuse, minimize accounting costs, and be well ready for audits (IRS, donors, AGs, etc.). These in-the-trenches stories share the successes and challenges to date, including powerful learnings on the application of best-in-class technologies – with compassion and results – including to those hardest to reach – the un/underbanked. This cross sector panelist group specifically includes top leadership across these critical areas for any successful program:
- Academia (top in this disaster space)
- Non-profit (who works with State and Local government)
- FinTech
- Convener across these sectors (who works across Fed, State, Local govt, and sectors above)
Navigating the Journey: Disaster Case Management for Long-Term Recovery
Disaster recovery is a long journey, requiring sustained and coordinated efforts to meet the needs of survivors. This workshop will provide participants with knowledge and tools to establish and manage effective Disaster Case Management (DCM) programs. The session will explore how DCM programs—whether federal, locally initiated, or VOAD-supported—integrate with Long-Term Recovery Groups to deliver holistic support to disaster survivors. Participants will learn about implementing DCM programs before federal activation and operating in diverse contexts without federal support. The presentation will highlight practical strategies, share real-world success stories, and offer actionable tools for fostering collaboration, ensuring that survivors receive consistent and effective assistance throughout their recovery journey. By the end of the workshop, attendees will understand how to develop a resilient, survivor-centered DCM program tailored to their community’s unique needs, ensuring they are equipped to go the distance in their efforts in disaster recovery.
GoFundMe: The Trusted Way to Give and Get Support
Since its launch in 2013, GoFundMe has empowered people and communities worldwide by facilitating over $30 billion in assistance. Guided by the mission to help more people help each other, GoFundMe is committed to providing a trusted, safe, and efficient platform. In moments of crisis, we understand the urgency of connecting people with the resources they need most and we’re here to make that happen. This workshop will provide an in-depth look at how GoFundMe uniquely addresses critical needs during emergencies and everyday challenges. Attendees will gain insights into the platform’s impact, key learnings from real-world use cases, and opportunities for collaborative action. Together, we’ll explore how to develop actionable strategies to empower and support your own communities. GoFundMe believes in the power of dialogue and collaboration. Your input, questions, and feedback are essential as we continue to evolve and improve. By fostering open communication, we aim to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve and build stronger partnerships. Throughout the presentation, we’ll highlight GoFundMe’s unwavering commitment to safety, efficiency, and community-focused innovation core pillars of our mission to create a platform that truly makes a difference.
Thursday, May 22
Session 5: 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Communications in the Field: Intel, Safety and Documentation
Disasters are now more frequent, costly, complex and larger than in the past. In ‘After Action Reports’ we routinely note that communications is an area needing improvement. Areas that are critical to response and recovery are outlined in fire communications are: conditions, hazards analysis, actions taken, needs assessment and resource requests, and personnel accountability. All of these must be documented. One method used to report concisely, accurately and timely is the C.A.N.P. protocol. Conditions, Actions, Needs and Personnel Accountability Report. MNVOAD has created their ‘Field Operations Teams’ to observe, report and document this information and pass it on quickly to emergency management, incident planners and others.
Equitable Disaster Response & Recovery: Going the Distance for Black Communities
This workshop will explore case studies from the Black Resilience Network Emergency Operations Center and Community Resilience Hubs initiative. The BEOC is a virtual EOC that has supported response and recovery efforts around the country in collaboration with Black-led organizations and communities and our allies. The Community Resilience Hubs initiative is a proactive approach to supporting communities’ in developing capabilities to lead in disaster and climate resilience. The Black Resilience Network convener and a founding member will share promising practices and lessons learned for collaborations with community-based and faith-based organizations, especially organizations that are disconnected from the state VOAD infrastructure.
Supporting Pregnant and Lactating Families During Emergencies
Everyone who is pregnant, lactating or feeding young children should have access to a safe, healthy, and respectful experience, even during a disaster. Natural disasters and public health emergencies disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including individuals who are pregnant, lactating, or feeding young children. Despite the complexity of their needs as a person impacted by an adverse event and as a caregiver of young children and babies who have unique needs and risks, current emergency response protocols often fail to prioritize maternal, infant, and child health, resulting in preventable harm. This workshop will convene experts and stakeholders to address the critical gaps in disaster preparedness and response for maternal and infant care. The panel will feature speakers with diverse experiences, including on-the-ground practitioners who have supported families during disasters (including Helen in Western North Carolina), policy experts who have successfully engaged a wide range of stakeholders to implement maternal health-focused emergency protocols, and advocates who have championed equitable practices in disaster response. Together, they will provide practical strategies and actionable recommendations for organizations and policymakers to adopt inclusive, respectful, and health-centered practices. Attendees will leave with tools to advocate for systemic change and practical steps to implement inclusive policies in their own organizations.
Strengthening Disaster Food Distribution: Innovative Practices for Resilience and Collaboration
As disasters increase in frequency and severity, this workshop will explore how innovative practices, strategic partnerships, and advanced technologies can enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. Hurricane Helene presented new challenges and opportunities to examine the way we prepare for and respond to disasters in the “new normal”. Through real-world examples and collaborative discussions, participants will learn how food banks, VOADs, and partners are transforming disaster response to ensure equitable food security and community support during crises. Feeding America is at the forefront of efforts to feed millions of Americans daily, and is present in communities across the country before, during, and after disasters. This compelling presentation examines the complex relationships between Feeding America’s partner food banks, VOAD partners, government agencies, suppliers, and donors from a national and state perspective.
Disaster Legal Scenarios – An Interactive Approach
Join us for an interactive session in which we explore numerous legal impediments that impair a disaster survivor’s path to recovery and how to meet these unique needs. Following a brief presentation of common disaster legal issues, we will investigate common survivor fact patterns, facilitating audience participation to promote a discussion on legal issue spotting and the means to resolve these needs. Legal issues are pervasive during all phases following a disaster incident, from immediate response to long-term recovery. Learn the evolution of prominent legal issues during these phases, and gain awareness of red flags leading to the identification of these issues within common survivor fact patterns. During this session, we will explore a variety of legal issues, including landlord-tenant issues, FEMA Appeals, consumer law Issues, home ownership hurdles, insurance impediments, and contractor issues. Knowing the basics of these legal issues is dramatically important for providing holistic support for a survivor’s recovery. During this session, you will engage with presenters and fellow participants to explore your experiences, discuss concerns, offer suggestions, and cooperatively engage in problem-solving for the needs of survivors in the presented scenarios. You will leave this session with a refined understanding of the legal environment following a disaster and keen grasp on how to resolve these situations.
When Disaster Hits Over and Over: How to Navigate Over 40 Community LTRGs
Florida is no stranger to catastrophic disasters and the complexities of recovery they bring. Many communities, still addressing lingering challenges from Hurricane Irma (2017!), have faced a relentless series of disasters in recent years, including Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton, as well as devastating floods, tornadoes, and other severe weather events. Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs), often referred to as the heartbeat of community recovery, have been instrumental in navigating these overlapping disasters. Today, Florida is supporting the largest number of active LTRGs in its history, with over 40 groups working tirelessly to rebuild and restore affected communities. LTRGs vary widely in scope, reflecting the unique needs of the communities they serve and the complexity of the disasters they face. This diversity presents both challenges and opportunities in recovery, particularly in establishing organizational structures, securing funding, and managing the demands of responding to multiple events simultaneously. Recognizing these challenges, Florida’s State VAL (Voluntary Agency Liaison), in partnership with FLVOAD (Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), leveraged the world of virtual collaboration to provide innovative support to these groups. Through a network of subject matter experts, Long Term Recovery Information Sessions were developed, offering a platform to address common obstacles, share best practices, and establish clear timelines for recovery. These sessions created avenues for LTRGs to collaborate not only locally but also statewide, fostering a unified approach to overcoming recovery hurdles. This presentation will share how Florida has navigated these unprecedented times, highlighting the strategies used to strengthen LTRGs and adapt to a constantly changing recovery landscape. Attendees will gain insights into the tools and resources developed to support both newly established LTRGs and those that have been operational for years. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to enhance recovery efforts in their own communities, learning how Florida has embraced innovation, collaboration, and resilience to go the (really long) distance in disaster recovery across multiple storms.
Post Katrina 20 Years of Resilience: Headwaters Relief Organization’s Journey in the Ninth Ward, New Orleans – Lessons in Going the Distance
Headwaters Relief Organization and its volunteers have been working in the ninth ward, New Orleans for the last 20 years since Katrina in 2005. This workshop will delve deep into the enduring legacy of Hurricane Katrina and the tireless efforts of Headwaters Relief Organization in revitalizing New Orleans’ Ninth Ward. By examining the organization’s 20-year journey, participants will gain invaluable insights into the complexities of long-term disaster recovery and community resilience. They will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in disaster recovery, as well as a renewed commitment to building more resilient and equitable communities.
- Community-Centered Recovery: Learn how to build authentic partnerships with local communities to ensure recovery efforts align with their needs and priorities.
- Sustainable Recovery Strategies: Discover practical strategies for developing and implementing long-term recovery plans that extend beyond immediate relief efforts.
- Overcoming Challenges: Gain insights into overcoming common obstacles such as volunteer burnout, funding shortages, and shifting priorities to maintain focus and effectiveness.
- Mental Health and Well-being: Understand the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological impact of disasters and providing adequate mental health support.
- Youth Engagement: Explore the power of youth involvement in disaster recovery and learn how to empower young people to become agents of change.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped to create adaptable, community-centered disaster recovery strategies that can make a lasting impact.
Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support Training
The Southeastern Synod, in collaboration with Lutheran Disaster Response, is currently engaged in a pilot program to offer Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support (MESS) disaster training for clergy and lay leaders. This skills-based two-day training is designed to give church leaders the skills needed to respond to a disaster in both stabilizing (immediate, short-term need following a disaster) and support (long-term need weeks, months, or years after an event) roles. This workshop will highlight the 6-part protocol to offer stabilizing and support, identify the context for the design of the training, and an overview of the lessons learned from evaluations and learning assessments from the pilot program.