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Relief
During the relief stage, United Way goes to work immediately, joining our community partners to identify short-term needs and address any gaps in urgent services such as shelter, transportation, food, water, clothing and medications.
An example of relief – 2-1-1
Our most important resource during this stage is 2-1-1, an easy-to-remember three-digit dialing system that connects people with needed services. When someone calls 2-1-1, trained specialists analyze what services are needed and provide appropriate resources and related information. Supported by their telecommunications corporate partner, United Way in Monroe, Louisiana fielded more than 111,000 phone calls over two months following Hurricane Katrina. They helped rescue stranded people, find missing loved ones and locate such critical needs as mental health assistance and temporary housing. Above all, they were the compassionate voices at the other end of the telephone. |
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Recovery
The recovery stage begins when communities start developing a common direction. Our main roles are to: lead committees to produce and implement community restoration plans, use 2-1-1 to mobilize volunteer and financial resources, and connect social services to needs.
An example of recovery – Operation Caring Communities
More than 1,300 local United Ways in communities across America form a strong system for improving people’s lives. In the wake of the 2005 hurricanes, United Way created Operation Caring Communities, a system-wide mutual assistance network that will mobilize whenever a disaster of a certain magnitude occurs. Through this coordinated network, United Ways across the country reach out to their assigned partner United Ways in communities affected by disaster, helping them provide services to people in need and strengthening them for the hard work ahead. |
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Rebuilding
When first responders leave, the enduring work to put communities back together begins. When community needs shift from immediate response to long-term recovery, United Way works closely with the government, business, and charitable sectors to coordinate and re-establish the social services network. United Way directs resources to critical services – like housing, mental health counseling and quality child care – that create long-lasting changes in the community.
An example of rebuilding – Alternative Spring Break
United Way mobilizes the caring power of young people from across the country to join us for Alternative Spring Break. For two years, hundreds of young people aged 18-24 have each spent a week of their Spring Break to rebuild the Gulf Coast after the devastating hurricanes of 2005. In 2007, participants went to Lake Charles, Louisiana to help those affected by Hurricane Rita. The program is sponsored by FedEx, MTV and video game retailer GameStop/EB Games. The teams rehabilitated existing homes, built new homes and cleared and repaired a Campfire USA youth camp. Check out the ASB blog for more information. |
