Disaster strikes in an instant, but shelter and housing needs remain.

Habitat for Humanity disaster response programs have been busy this year helping with disaster recovery around the world.  Their cleanup and rebuilding efforts include work in the central United States following the violent storms and tornadoes this spring.  A devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo. and heavy rains causing record flooding along the Mississippi River left hundreds of people killed, neighborhoods flooded and entire communities destroyed. Thousands were left homeless.  Local Habitat affiliates are leading the cleanup and rebuilding efforts with significant support from Habitat for Humanity International.

Devastating natural disasters happen around the world every year. War, conflict and civil unrest also create millions of refugees and internally displaced people. Families left homeless by disasters and refugees returning to their homelands face uncertain futures, often confronting dire housing needs as they rebuild their lives.

Habitat’s Disaster Response Programs develop innovative housing and shelter assistance models that generate sustainable interventions for people vulnerable to or affected by disasters or conflicts. In addition, Disaster Response builds the capacity of the global Habitat community in the areas of disaster mitigation, preparedness and recovery through education, training and partnerships.

Supporting families affected by disasters requires immediate, comprehensive and collaborative actions. Long after humanitarian aid organizations have completed their relief work, the need for quality shelter and housing remains for months and years. More than 50,000 families worldwide have been served under Habitat’s disaster recovery programs. By giving the communities the means to rebuild, Habitat has been able to support, empower and work with families in building recovery shelter and housing solutions.