Disaster Recovery Support
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SUPPORT
AND ASSISTANCE IN THE FACE OF CRISIS
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During times of natural disaster, when the reliable, compassionate
services of community assistance ministries are in even greater demand, ACAM
helps members find the financial, in-kind, volunteer and communications support
that they need to be able provide recovery services to their fullest
capacity.
ACAM provides support on three levels, within a
similar framework to our regular operating services:
Excellence in Service: An Effective
Funding Portal – When additional resources
are needed to provide disaster relief services, ACAM serves as a funding portal
for members and ensures that a smooth flow of funds and resources reaches those
on the front lines. ACAM members are able to submit a short application form and
budget to ACAM staff, instead of preparing myriad funding applications to
multiple funders, allowing them to focus more time and energy on serving those
in need. Funders benefit from ACAM’s involvement as well because ACAM is able to
quickly link interested individual donors and foundations with a network of
credible and proven front-line service providers. ACAM also serves as an
information clearinghouse – giving funders the assurance that resources are
directed to where they are needed most.
Network Development – In the aftermath of a disaster, ACAM provides a forum for
members to offer mutual support and discuss needs, services and
experiences.
Awareness and Education
– ACAM communicates our members’
disaster-related needs to the media, funders, other service organizations and
more including the United Way, VOAD, Women in Philanthropy, Conference of
Southwest Foundations and local government officials. ACAM also keeps members
updated on disaster relief efforts going on throughout the city in order to
provide them the opportunity to link with complementary
organizations.
Impact during Hurricane
Ike
ACAM members served 30-700% more clients in the
aftermath of Hurricane Ike. (The total number served is still being counted and
will be available during the first quarter of 2009.) ACAM was able to raise and
distribute more than $675,000 from 9 funders to help our members provide food,
clothing, supplies, case management and rent/utility assistance to survivors of
the hurricane. Click here to see our Respond and Rebuild site for Hurricane
Ike.
Impact during Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita
ACAM members served 7,563 Katrina/Rita evacuees in
the three months of most demand and were assisted by more than 670 volunteers.
ACAM’s pilot phase (ZCAM ODP) raised more than $1.2 million from 13 funders to
assist members as they served disaster victims.
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