How Local United Ways Disaster Services Program is Supporting Communities After Hurricanes, Wildfires, Pandemics, and Other Events

What we’re talking about

The United Way has a dedicated Disaster Services division to support local chapters and the communities they serve in preparing and recovering from disasters. This support includes preparing the chapters and their staff to be prepared for events in their community, in addition to positioning their resources to support the recovery of the entire community from events. We’ll hear from the Director of Disaster Services, Tinika Fails, on how her division is supporting the 1,100 chapters in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Key Takeaways

  • The United Way Worldwide operation supports communities and local United Way chapters in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. Local chapters help to provide information to the public after a disaster through utilizing their 211 Network.
  • This year has been very challenging for communities as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Way has been working in partnership with local emergency management to support the needs of the community and to help with local disaster recovery efforts.
  • The United Way is a member of the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) which coordinates with other non-profits to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters.

Additional Information