December 1, 2008

The Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations in Post-Hurricane Human Service Relief Efforts

This report presents findings from a large-scale study of FBCOs in the Gulf Coast region that provided relief and recovery services after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The study was particularly interested in FBCOs that are not characteristically considered traditional emergency responders. It addressed the kinds of services given in the immediate and long-term aftermath of the disasters, the extent of coordination and collaboration among charitable service systems, and how such services were or can be integrated with governmental responses to help the nation's disaster preparedness agencies better prepare for the next emergency whether from natural or other causes.