***CAUTION, EMERGENCY MANAGER DORK MODE***
I reviewed a situation report yesterday by Mercy Chefs for #HurricaneBeryl response. They are serving in multiple islands of the #Caribbean and in the City of Houston and across Harris County, Texas.
So far, 65,000 meals + in Texas. A donated value of over $650,000 just in meals alone. (value averaged for federal meal rate) This is on top of countless disasters they have responded to across the country this year and it simply amazes me and reminds me to be thankful to those who support them financially as well as by volunteering.
As an emergency manager it is easy to take for granted the work of nonprofits and imagine endless funding supply and everything comes for free. The truth is, for many nonprofits, donor fatigue and overwhelming seasons of disaster response can have a devastating impact on their ability to respond to the next disaster.
While they don't charge for their service, there are avenues that #EmergencyManagement can pursue to help sustain their response. Unfortunately, many local emergency managers either aren't aware of the funding through Public Assistance, Cat B or they report to States and regions that discourage it under the guise of "how dare they ask for reimbursement." (this is more often the rule than the exception) International Association of Emergency Managers , National Emergency Management Association
To build your local mass care capability, you MUST review the PAPPG guidance (Version 5 coming soon) to help you and your Finance Admin team leverage Cat B to ensure your local response isn't contingent on how a disaster season has impacted your reliable partners. Whether a local expense or a reimbursable one, you will never regret supporting nonprofits that are caring for your residents. Usually people having water and food is the last thing on your radar, but the first thing to get you hear at your after-action. If you need help digesting this, feel free to reach out to Rule One Consulting LLC at [email protected] where our consultants can help you navigate it.
"Essential lessons remain consistent while new individuals continue to learn them." ~no formal attribution available
Mass Care is often wrought with mistakes and "wish I would have known that" but rest assured, in the words of #BareNakedLadies Song, "Its All Been Done"
Thanks to ALL the nonprofits AND their donors for carrying this burden for communities that desperately need your support.
#HurricaneBeryl made history as the largest hurricane to hit the Atlantic Ocean this early in the hurricane season. Violent winds struck the Windward Islands, causing what news outlets are calling “Armageddon-like” devastation across the #Caribbean. Earlier this week, Beryl made landfall in #Texas, causing extensive damage and leaving over 2.7 million customers without power.
Mercy Chefs has deployed to Carriacou, #Grenada, and #Houston, TX, to bring hand-crafted, chef-prepared meals to hurricane victims who are starting to rebuild their lives. To learn how you can support our disaster relief efforts, visit https://lnkd.in/gjX6npRC.
Hurricane Beryl
https://mercychefs.com
CEO at Ezee Fiber
1moAmazing work by the team to support the community.