Home | Online Resources | UB Catalog | Campus Libraries | About UB Libraries | Forms | Search | Help
View PDF
Version
Return to Index
The Office of Special Actions
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Disaster Response
PROMOTING RECOVERY, HOPE, AND A NEW BEGINNING
[image: Secretary Cuomo comforts a victim of Hurricane Gerorges in Puerto Rico]
Message from Secretary Cuomo
[image: Secretary Cuomo]
One of HUD's top priorities is making sure that we provide competent and timely assistance to communities devastated by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
HUD's efforts, coordinated by our Office of Special Actions, help communities in several ways after a disaster strikes. HUD funds can be used to rehabilitate damaged structures, repair essential sewer and water systems, and create and retain jobs. Additionally, HUD employees provide vital technical expertise in housing and construction to local officials as they develop strategies to rebuild and renovate their communities.
No amount of money and labor can erase the devastation, but HUD's assistance to communities hit by natural disasters helps them speed up recovery efforts and rebuild stronger and better than ever.
[image: Used by permission of United Day Nursery, Grand Forks, North Dakota — 1997 — Picture by Megan]
HUD's Role
HUD works on-site with other Federal, state, and local agencies, as well as with private relief organizations, to respond quickly to natural disasters.
In recent years, Congress has authorized special emergency Community Development Block Grant funds for states whose communities have been hit hard by disasters. These funds may be used to repair damaged homes, businesses, and public facilities, and for a variety of other purposes. CDBG's flexible funds are intended to meet communities' needs after recovery funds from private insurance, FEMA, and the Small Business Administration have been exhausted. HUD serves as the provider of last resort in addressing the unmet needs of disaster-stricken communities.
States and localities also may reprogram regular CDBG, HOME and other HUD funds to meet the challenges imposed by natural disasters.
[image: Secretary Cuomo comforts a young Honduran after Hurricane Mitch destroyed the child's home — December 1998.]
The HUD On-Site Disaster Team:
After the Emergency Phase
The urgent need in most disasters is to find housing for victims. HUD staff can assist the community in several ways:
[image: Red River Flood, Grand Forks, North Dakota — 1997 — Photo by John Stennes]
HUD Disaster Recovery Resources
Helping Communities Rebuild
As the work of recovery progresses, HUD staff may be called upon to help the community rebuild in several important ways:
[image: Woman and child during Upper Midwest floods, 1997]
HUD Is Prepared
To help those whose lives have been devastated by a natural disaster, HUD works with other Federal and state agencies. By working together and offering a variety of support programs, we can make a difference and help disaster victims return to normal life as soon as possible.
HUD's relief efforts are not left to chance. We plan and prepare for future disaster relief to ensure that our response best meets the most critical needs of suffering people and communities.
HUD Regional Contacts
For information about disaster recovery programs at HUD, please contact the number listed below for your area.
| New England | 617/565-5236 |
| NY/NJ | 212/264-1161 |
| Mid-Atlantic | 215/656-0600 |
| Southeast/Caribbean | 404/331-5136 |
| Midwest | 312/353-5680 |
| Southwest | 817/978-9000 |
| Great Plains | 913/551-5462 |
| Rocky Mountain | 303/672-5440 |
| Northwest/Alaska | 206/220-5101 |
| Pacific/Hawaii | 415/436-6532 |
FEMA's 24-hour numbers 1-800-634-7084 or 202/898-6100
View PDF
Version
Return to Index