Non Government Organizations (NGO) and community-based organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, will provide support to individuals and households who are displaced by a disaster and work with governmental organizations to support the transition from care and shelter operations to interim housing arrangements. Community organizations active before a disaster may expand their services to meet increased needs. Such groups include churches, neighborhood health clinics and food distribution agencies. NGO and community based organizations may provide a range of services such as donations management, emergency food, clothing and shelter, as well as support of housing reconstruction. They provide these services independently or in coordination with federal, state and local efforts.
The inclusion of NGO's and other community based organizations during the emergency planning and preparedness process is critical in the design of a viable emergency plans. The NGO would provide the following information as the planning process moves forward:
- Knowledge about specialized resources that can be brought to bear in an emergency.
- Lists of shelters, feeding centers, and distribution centers.
Knowledge about special-needs populations.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) unite a broad range of nonprofit participants who share an interest in disaster relief. Members of state organizations typically meet in advance of any disaster to coordinate among themselves and to liaison with public-sector managers. A national body, NVOAD, was formed in 1975 to coordinate the various state efforts. NVOAD helps state organizations prepare for disaster and can be a useful starting point in any public-sector effort to line up nonprofit partners.
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