Disaster Corps Program

Program Overview
Disaster Corps is an integral part of Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response. The concept for the program evolved from an awareness that more field support was necessary for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and national organizations affected by disasters. This specialized program aims to train and mobilize volunteer leaders, consultants and skilled Habitat staffers to support Habitat for Humanity disaster response and preparedness initiatives worldwide. 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.

Recent 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. Many Legacy Leaders have continued to go back or communicate to affiliates they’ve helped in the Gulf and have built sincere relationships with the communities they originally visited in the last 2 years.

Disaster Corps “TRAIN, BUILD, JOIN” Week
Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response held its first “TRAIN, BUILD, JOIN” Week from January 19-26, 2008, in Biloxi, Miss. The participants in “TRAIN, BUILD, JOIN” alternated between classroom time and construction work, helping to build eight houses with the local affiliate (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.

Disaster Response is currently reviewing the need for future events similar to “TRAIN, BUILD, JOIN” that will allow new Disaster Corps members to receive the training they’ll need to support Habitat affiliates and national offices in whatever stage they are in within the disaster recovery process while also providing housing for families in need.

Future plans
Disaster Corps volunteers will provide a significant contribution to Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to manage effective and efficient responses to disaster events impacting housing throughout the world. With their specialized skills these volunteers can be very helpful in areas of need at the local level as our affiliates and national organizations rush to react to changes within and in their communities after a disaster.

One of the areas that Disaster Corps will focus on is continuing to provide field and technical support to affiliates affected by disasters in the United States and around the world. Habitat’s presence in thousands of communities domestically and internationally 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 come in and quickly provide key skills needed to organize efficient recovery projects. If you are interested in more information on Disaster Corps and how you can apply to become a member, please contact Disaster Response at (800) 422-4828 or e-mail disaster@habitat.org .