Long-Term Recovery Groups Help Communities Affected by Disaster
Source: FEMA (March 2023)
Significance: Overview of FEMA’s efforts in establishing LTRGs in Kentucky amid destructive winds, floods, and mudslides
Description: The recovery process begins and ends at the local level, where FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) assist in rebuilding communities and increasing resilience. VALs work closely with local officials, the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, and Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) to establish Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) in affected communities. These groups assess the needs of disaster survivors and find resources to address unmet needs. Even after survivors receive insurance payments or federal assistance, they may still face ongoing needs, which LTRGs help address. LTRGs are actively involved in providing food, cleaning supplies, furniture, appliances, and home repairs. FEMA VALs play a critical role in connecting local organizations with the necessary resources, including labor, materials, and funding. They bridge the gap between LTRGs and external resources, ensuring that communities have access to support beyond what the government can offer.