The National Disaster Housing Strategy (the Strategy) serves two
purposes. First, it describes how we as a Nation currently provide
housing to those affected by disasters. It summarizes, for the
first time in a single document, the many sheltering and housing
efforts we have in the United States and the broad array of
organizations that are involved in managing these programs. The
Strategy also outlines the key principles and policies that guide
the disaster housing process. Second, and more importantly, the
Strategy charts the new direction that our disaster housing efforts
must take if we are to better meet the emergent needs of disaster
victims and communities. Today we face a wider range of hazards and
potentially catastrophic events than we have ever faced before.
These include terrorist attacks and major natural disasters that
could destroy large sections of the Nation's infrastructure. This
new direction must address the disaster housing implications of all
these risks and hazards and, at the same time, guide development of
essential, baseline capabilities to overcome existing limitations.
The new direction for disaster housing must leverage emerging
technologies and new approaches in building design to provide an
array of housing options. It must also be cost effective and draw
on lessons learned and best practices. Above all, this new
direction must institutionalize genuine collaboration and
cooperation among the various local, State, tribal, and Federal
partners, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to
meet the needs of all disaster victims. Current practices in
disaster housing vary based on the nature and scope of a disaster
and can range from providing short-term shelters to arranging
temporary and, in some cases, permanent housing. Establishing
emergency shelters is generally a well-choreographed effort that
unfolds smoothly at the local level as emergency management
officials and nongovernmental organizations execute their emergency
plans. The challenges increase when disaster victims are displaced
from their homes for longer periods of time and temporary housing
must be provided. The process of meeting individual and household
needs becomes more challenging, and the responsibilities and roles
of those involved must be absolutely clear. States monitor and
support local government efforts and activate their capabilities as
needed to augment local capabilities. The Federal Government stands
alongside the States as an engaged partner, maintaining disaster
housing resources and ready to deploy those resources, if required,
to fill any emerging gap. While this process generally works very
well, it broke down in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck
the coast of Louisiana and Mississippi and overwhelmed the
capabilities of responders at all jurisdictional levels. And now,
more than 3 years after Hurricane Katrina, we are still wrestling
with many technical and policy issues related to disaster housing
that Katrina brought to light. This Strategy outlines a vision,
supported by specific goals, that will point the Nation in a new
direction to meet the disaster housing needs of individuals and
communities.
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