Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP)’s Post

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Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires in our province. A reminder to CDS sector service providers of the resources on our website to assist you in emergency situations: https://lnkd.in/gGMagE-x. #wildfires #wildfiresAB #jasper #alberta #resources #nonprofit #communitydisabilityservices #disabilityservices

CCF ensures that resources reach those most in need, leveraging partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies while using data from CalFire and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to prioritize underserved communities. https://lnkd.in/d8bMmw5E

🌍 Our story began during the pandemic when everyone’s lives paused and our world changed. We worked for a disaster relief program, funded by FEMA grants, that aimed to provide temporary relief services to the public. However, we soon realized that the needs of our communities extended beyond the capabilities of a temporary program. Crisis happens every day, and even those who aren't in crisis still need help. That's why we decided to launch Communities Voices, a platform where we can work together with other peers and existing community organizations to overcome challenges more efficiently. As peers ourselves, we understand what it's like to have an "invisible" disability and to need help without knowing where to turn. We've navigated the systems in our communities and found many amazing organizations that help in different ways. Our goal is to build connections and improve our communities' well-being. Join us on this journey to make a difference. Together, we can create a stronger and more supportive community. 💙 For more information about our initiatives and how you can get involved, please check the first comment. #CommunitySupport #EmotionalWellbeing #PandemicRelief #SupportingCommunities #communitiesvoices #Iamapeer #peerlife #whatsyourstory

Human services workers are often the first and the last responders, for both everyday emergencies and large-scale disasters. That’s why HSC advocates for equitable partnership and resource sharing for this critical lifeline in NYC. During #NationalPreparednessMonth, here are a few ways to get a running start on preparedness and become involved in HSC’s human services resilience work: 📧 Sign up for HSC’s Human Services Resilience Listserv for resources, events, alerts, and a quarterly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/diEWt6ww ⚠️ Use and contribute to HSC’s #ResilienceRoundups, which are packed with resources and strategies to help you, your team, and the communities you serve prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises: bit.ly/Resilience-Roundup 💡 Explore more resilience resources on our website, including emergency planning templates and training, advocacy tools and testimonies: bit.ly/HSC-Resiliency #Preparedness #Resilience #DisasterPreparedness #EmergencyPreparedness

📰 Did you catch our op-ed in state papers last week? In it, our Program Director Erin Switalski sheds light on the realities of public assistance in Montana with findings from Bryce Ward's new report, Supporting Our Neighbors. As we approach the winter season, we reflect on the many ways we support each other as a community. Erin’s insights and the report’s findings reveal the critical role public assistance programs play in strengthening our communities and lifting people out of poverty. 👉 Check out the op-ed below and find the report at https://lnkd.in/gKgRwX2X.

📢 Public Comment Period Alert! 📢 FEMA is seeking public input on the proposed changes to the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) Version 5. This version of the #PAPPG reflects current policies and feedback from states, tribes, territories, and nonprofit partners. The updated version is intended to streamline and simplify processes while increasing accessibility. 🗓️ Deadline: August 19, 2024 💻 Read more and submit comments 📝: https://lnkd.in/dJ9ghWyv Feedback matters! Your input is vital in shaping policies for disaster recovery and resilience. Let’s ensure equitable and effective community recovery! #PublicComment #FEMA #DisasterRecovery #FEMAPA #EmergencyManagement #DisasterResponse #DisasterManagement #TeamIEM #CommunityResilience

In my role as a Shelter & NFI Officer, I understand the critical importance of addressing both immediate and long-term needs in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters. Effective response strategies must go beyond providing temporary relief to encompass sustainable solutions that support both recovery and resilience. Providing non-food items (NFIs) such as essential household items, medical supplies, and hygiene products are essential for maintaining the health and independence of individuals in temporary shelters, where traditional resources maybe lacking or inadequate (Milburn et al., 2023). The significance of well-planned NFI distributions is supported by Oxfam's review, which emphasizes that tailored approaches can greatly enhance the overall impact of emergency responses by ensuring that aid meets the specific needs of affected populations (Ferron, 2017). Similarly, shelter support must evolve from merely providing temporary housing to offering more sustainable solutions. Many current shelter implementations fall short of addressing long-term needs, highlighting the need for strategic investments in emergency shelter that not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to economic recovery and improved health outcomes (Kavakli & Eki̇nci̇, 2023; Cravetto, 2019). Furthermore, effective communication and resource management are vital for optimizing the distribution of NFIs. Utilizing innovative technologies, such as edge servers for information exchange, can streamline processes and ensure that aid reaches those in need more efficiently (Sato et al., 2019). This approach helps in managing resources more effectively and responding promptly to emerging needs. Ultimately, while focusing on NFIs and shelter support is essential, it is also crucial to consider the broader social dynamics and integrate long-term recovery strategies. This holistic approach enhances the resilience and sustainability of affected communities, ensuring that our interventions provide both immediate relief and contribute to lasting recovery. #NFI #EmergencyShelter #DisasterRelief #HumanitarianAid #LongTermRecovery #SustainableSolutions #ResourceManagement #ShelterSupport #CrisisResponse #InnovationInAid #PublicHealth #ResilienceBuilding #CommunityRecovery #EmergencyManagement #UNOCHA #UNHCR #UNICEF #IOM

🔥 In times of crisis, spontaneous volunteering plays a crucial role—it fosters community connectedness and boosts self-esteem. It also empowers individuals, transforming them from passive victims into active contributors to community recovery. Volunteers, both formal and informal, are the backbone of emergency and disaster response. However, disasters pose unique challenges in Indigenous communities. External emergency practices can deepen marginalization and trauma, worsening disaster impacts. State-sponsored programs often neglect Indigenous rights and knowledge, perpetuating racialized disadvantages, which shows the need for cultural alignment. To build true resilience and deliver effective measures during emergencies, we must embrace local perspectives on risk, hazard knowledge, and coping strategies.    All the information and quotations were taken from the research publication 'The Role of Disaster Volunteering in Indigenous Communities' which underscores the importance of respecting Indigenous resilience in emergency planning by Yumagulova, L., Phibbs, S., Kenney, C. M., Yellow Old Woman-Munro, D., Christianson, A. C., McGee, T. K., & Whitehair, R. (2019). For a deeper exploration, refer to the publication via https://lnkd.in/gcSZVbh8 Let's rethink emergency management with cultural sensitivity and local collaboration at its core. #CommunityResilience #IndigenousKnowledge #EmergencyResponse #FNWEP #WildfireManagement #FNWEPresearch #ResearchInsights

Here's to the next 110 year partnership.