Diana Zarzuelo’s Post

Disaster recovery is as nuanced as it is costly, especially in a region like Greater Houston. Unfortunately, recent storms are unlikely to be the end of our challenges. As we all contribute to help our neighbors rebuild and recover from devastating floods and winds, we must also focus on creating resiliency and bolstering our region for future disasters. The Severe Weather and Derecho Fund run by the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a partnership between United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation, supports immediate recovery for Greater Houston's most financially vulnerable populations, while also helping to prepare them for future disasters. ~75% of funds will support long-term recovery efforts, including home repair and resource navigation, and ~25% will support immediate relief through emergency flexible financial assistance. Before you start your long weekend, I encourage you to learn more about the fund and consider making a donation to support our neighbors. Support recovery: https://lnkd.in/gTEFEQmX #DerechoRecovery

IMPORTANT UPDATE: the URL to the Fund website has changed. Visit https://lnkd.in/gfFH-y_a to donate and to learn more. The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance has established the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund to support individuals and families affected by the severe storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding events that occurred between April 26 and May 17, 2024. On May 18, 2024, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for these combined events impacting multiple counties, including Harris and Montgomery counties, making federal assistance available to support local recovery efforts. The Fund will complement these efforts by providing funds to local nonprofits to provide emergency financial assistance, home repair, and assistance accessing resources services. The Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund will serve uninsured and underinsured low-to-moderate income families (ALICE population) in the affected counties of Harris, Montgomery, and Waller, focusing on disproportionately impacted zip codes and vulnerable populations. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gfFH-y_a

As recovery from Tuesday’s tornadoes begins, United Way SCMI and Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) are joining in collaboration to lend our shared strengths to relief efforts. We are working alongside partners at Gryphon Place and 211 as they identify community needs and determine how best to mobilize resources. To contribute to the overall recovery effort, you can donate to one of the crisis funds that United Way and KZCF have in place for events such as these. Community Urgent Relief Fund [https://lnkd.in/d9t8-GqQ] Disaster Relief Fund [https://lnkd.in/dCzJyAzm] If you need assistance, please dial 211 for non-emergency needs or to report damage. Call 911 in the case of an immediate emergency. Additionally, if you experienced damage to your home, please fill out this damage self-reporting tool at https://arcg.is/10ab1j. This will speed up response and recovery as crews fan out to assess damage and assign workers to clear debris and begin our recovery process.

The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance has established the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund to support individuals and families affected by the severe storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding events that occurred between April 26 and May 17, 2024. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gfFH-y_a On May 18, 2024, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for these combined events impacting multiple counties, including Harris and Montgomery counties, making federal assistance available to support local recovery efforts. The Fund will complement these efforts by providing funds to local nonprofits to provide emergency financial assistance, home repair, and assistance accessing resources services. The Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund will serve uninsured and underinsured low-to-moderate income families (ALICE population) in the affected counties of Harris, Montgomery, and Waller, focusing on disproportionately impacted zip codes and vulnerable populations.

Emergencies feel abstract and vague - until they’re not. I can see fire on the mountain from my house. Mandatory evacuations have been issued just fifteen minutes down the road. September is National Preparedness Month. Not all emergency preparations include dropping obscene amounts of cash and outfitting bunkers. A free first step in preparing for emergencies? Consolidate what you already have. It’s okay to start small. Grab a backpack and throw in a couple bottles of water, snacks, a flashlight, a basic first aid kit, and a written list of phone numbers. Something is better than nothing. Five minutes spent preparing feels a lot better than five minutes spent scrambling in panic.

From the New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NJVOAD) - where I am a volunteer board member: NJVOAD Needs Your Help! New Jersey VOAD is a nonprofit coalition that plays a crucial role in fostering community resilience throughout the disaster cycle. We facilitate cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration among our over 100 member organizations, partners, and the wider community, providing valuable resources while doing so. Over the last decade, we have leveraged an investment of around $3 million into nearly $300 million in service to New Jersey’s residents! However, NJVOAD needs your assistance. The last two years have brought with them soaring costs and falling revenues. Despite our best efforts, we find ourselves unable to sustain our current level of services without your help. This is especially distressing as the needs surrounding disasters has never been greater and our work has never been more crucial. Please consider making a one-time or recurring donation to support NJVOAD’s vital work and share this message with your networks. Your contribution directly impacts disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Together, we can build more resilient communities! If you appreciate the work we do to build more resilient communities, please consider a donation! https://lnkd.in/e5YaUjrc Keith R Adams

Another Update! Please share with your network. Please share and support a local NJ Non-Profit with Hurricane Helene bound to hit Florida. Mark Haug is currently accepting donations before he hits the road tomorrow. He will be looking for areas where he can set up and provide support. If anyone knows of any areas that will be severely affected please reach out to Mark Haug. Please see the link below to their website to make a donation. Every little bit counts. **Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Florida** Www.holdonimcoming.com The current Trajectory of Hurricane Helene could leave many families in Florida without homes, essential supplies, and a sense of security. Communities could be facing the struggle to recover from this powerful storm, and the road ahead could be long and challenging. That’s why organizations like *Hold On I’m Coming* & Mark Haug are stepping up to provide critical relief and support to those in need. They’re on the ground, delivering food, water, and supplies to impacted families, but they can’t do it alone. Please consider donating to their cause. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in helping Florida rebuild and recover from this disaster. Together, we can offer hope in the face of hardship. #HurricaneHelene #SupportFlorida #DonateNow #HoldOnImComing

When major disasters strike, your clients may want to make donations to help, but doing so in a timely manner can be complicated. #DonorAdvisedFunds are often the fastest way to deploy funds when a need arises. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3FuF7Y2 #wealthmanagement

As we unite in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, let us duly note that not all were as fortunate following the disaster. An alarming number of our neighbours find themselves displaced or worse. Should you find yourself in a position to offer assistance, kindly consider extending your support. Unable to personally deliver supplies to those in dire need? Fear not! A substantial effect can still be made through the medium of financial aid. We humbly request that you contemplate donating, regardless of the sum, via a swift and secure wire transfer or through the following secure link: https://vist.ly/3chrj These contributions can dramatically alter someone's life, illuminating the dark tunnel of these exceedingly difficult times. Let's consolidate our efforts, stand resolute, and reconstruct with greater strength! Every single donation, no matter how minor, has a substantial impact and is greatly appreciated. #HurricaneBerylRelief #DonateNow #StandTogether

Support the San Diego Flood Recovery Fund Your donation assists San Diegans affected by the January 22, 2024 floods with long-term recovery. Long-Term Recovery In partnership with the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, the San Diego Flood Recovery Fund assists San Diegans affected by the January 22, 2024 floods with long-term recovery. Funds will be used to assist with home repairs, unmet needs, and program operation costs, providing temporary housing for those whose homes are uninhabitable. The money raised will be given to San Diego Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) which has been actively supporting flood survivors since early February 2024. To date, VOAD’s efforts have restored hundreds of homes to be safe and habitable. For questions about the San Diego County Flood Recovery Fund, please contact Valerie Brown, Chair, Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), San Diego at admin@communityrecoveryteam.org.