FEMA Solicits Input on Disaster Housing Strategy
Partners Engaged in the Process and Building Consensus
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a National Disaster Housing Strategy that sets forth, for the first time in a single document, the many sheltering and housing capabilities, principles and policies that guide and inform the disaster housing process. The Strategy also charts the new direction to better meet the disaster housing needs of individuals and communities.
The Strategy, in coordination with the Disaster Housing Plan issued this spring and already being used to respond to Midwest floods and Hurricane Dolly, will continue our progress towards expanded and improved housing options for all disaster victims.
The draft Strategy provides the foundation on which to build a successful disaster housing program. Now we are looking to our federal partners, the public and private sector, and voluntary agencies to work along side of us to tackle one of the most challenging aspects of disaster recovery. Never before has a full-time Disaster Housing Task Force been created to solely focus on ensuring collaboration to meet disaster housing needs. FEMA is the lead agency focused on disaster housing and incorporates the proposals of our partners in and out of government.
Already, some of the top experts in the emergency management community are providing valuable input as part of this process. "We wish to thank FEMA for the ongoing willingness to coordinate and cooperate with the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)," said Larry Gispert, president, IAEM, "The draft National Housing Strategy is currently under review by our members and we will gladly provide FEMA constructive feedback on the details of the strategy within the allowable review period."
Other agencies are weighing in as well with their support. "The Draft Housing Strategy is a good beginning for national dialogue that is needed on these tough issues," said Joseph C. Becker, senior vice president, Disaster Services, American Red Cross.
The Strategy provides basic pillars upon which to build an operation plan and defines where we want to be and gives future direction for housing. It stresses state and local autonomy as well as personal preparedness and individual responsibility. It is a clear roadmap that will allow the American public and Congress to hold FEMA accountable for meeting the milestones set.
Public comments are due by September 22. See www.FEMA.gov for more details or to submit comments.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Published on: 2008-07-31
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