Taking a centralized approach to managing volunteers can help localities maximize the potential of volunteers and leverage the efforts of enthusiastic community members. IBTS subject matter experts and community emergency management professionals share their experiences and lessons learned in how to centralize volunteers. The Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) is a designated location used to connect… Read more
Volunteers are one of the most versatile and cost-effective resources in disaster response and recovery, however they come with a big caveat – when not managed properly, they can escalate an already dangerous and chaotic situation by overwhelming first-responders and putting themselves and others in danger. Public safety officials can relieve some of the resulting… Read more
Volunteer credentialing is a required component of utilizing volunteers in any disaster scenario for all localities, even at the most basic level. An effective credentialing system allows management to triage and use volunteers properly during response and recovery from a disaster. Yet this process starts well before a disaster hits. Engaging volunteers throughout preparation and planning… Read more
Volunteers are one of the most versatile and cost-effective resources in disaster response and recovery, but it is impossible to predict exactly to what extent volunteers and resources will be affected by a disaster. Accordingly, city managers and county administrators must be prepared to call on help from surrounding communities by having mutual aid agreements… Read more
Volunteers are one of the most versatile and cost-effective resources in disaster response and recovery, however they come with a big caveat – when not managed properly, they can escalate an already dangerous and chaotic situation by overwhelming first-responders and putting themselves and others in danger. The finance and accounting department must take an active… Read more
Assessing the community’s long-term disaster recovery needs helps CDBG-DR grantees prioritize recovery projects, establish a timeline, and develop an Action Plan that addresses the community’s needs.
The CDBG-DR grantee’s recovery administration team may need to adjust existing local government policies and procedures in order to be compliant with federal government policies that are applicable to federal disaster recovery programs. This may effect guidelines regarding equipment usage, procurement of goods and services and staffing. This can be a challenging process as changes… Read more
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) help ensure all components of the CDBG-DR program remain in compliance with local, state and federal regulations. CDBG-DR grantees must develop SOPs for CDBG-DR program operation, grants management, financial management and human resources, among others such as duplication of benefits and homeowner appeals policies.
As part of the Action Plan, CDBG-DR grantees develop internal and public-facing communications plans to notify individuals and small businesses about available recovery assistance and the CDBG-DR application process. Grantees should develop and disseminate public information that is specific to and comprehensible by each applicant stakeholder group, such as homeowners, renters and business owners.
To receive CDBG-DR funds, the program, project, and homeowner must all be deemed eligible under the requirements of the CDBG-DR grant. Grantees must demonstrate that the program meets national objectives and fills unmet community needs. Projects must be documented in the unmet needs assessment. Homeowners must meet income and ownership requirements, identify any other benefits… Read more
