Disaster Corps program

Program overview
Disaster Corps is an integral part of the resources available to local communities through Habitat for Humanity. This specialized program trains and mobilizes volunteer leaders, consultants and skilled Habitat staffers to support Habitat for Humanity disaster response and preparedness initiatives across the United States. Disaster Corps members have unique backgrounds in addition to their Habitat training in areas such as logistics, project management, volunteer management, disaster preparedness and mitigation, response planning, resource development and construction, among other areas.

Why Disaster Corps is needed
Disaster Corps evolved from an awareness that more field support was necessary for Habitat for Humanity affiliates affected by disasters.

Past activities

• Disaster Corps Legacy Leadership Initiative
  The Disaster Corps Legacy Leadership Initiative was the first component of the Disaster Corps program. In May 2005, this initiative was launched in partnership with the University of Maryland’s Center on Aging to engage baby boomers in disaster recovery efforts in the U.S. Gulf Coast region affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Participants became Disaster Corps Legacy Leaders by completing a two-week comprehensive lifelong learning institute. After graduation from the institute, Disaster Corps Legacy Leaders served on behalf of Habitat for Humanity to provide vital assistance to Habitat’s disaster-affected Gulf affiliates.
• Disaster Corps “TRAIN, BUILD, JOIN” Week
  Habitat for Humanity International Disaster Response held a “TRAIN, BUILD, JOIN” Week from January 19-26, 2008, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Participants alternated between classroom time and construction work, helping to build eight houses with Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to aid its ongoing push to recover from Hurricane Katrina. While in the classroom, these 115 volunteer leaders from the Southeast and other regions of the United States learned about basic disaster preparedness, assessment and recovery planning, and the psychology of disaster.

Current and Future Activities

• Disaster Corps volunteers will continue to provide a significant contribution to Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to manage effective and efficient responses to disaster events impacting housing. With their specialized skills, these volunteers provide field and technical support to affiliates affected by disasters in the United States. Habitat’s presence in more than 1,500 U.S. communities places it in a position to be a leader in providing long-term housing solutions as a part of disaster recovery efforts. Disaster Corps members can provide key skills needed to organize efficient recovery projects.
• Plans are underway to restart training and recruitment processes for new applicants in early 2010.

For more information or to apply as a member
Phone: (800) 422-4828
E-mail: disaster@habitat.org