In times of crisis, the collaboration between the federal government and nongovernmental organizations is not just beneficial — it’s crucial. Partnerships, such as National Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster, form a powerful alliance that significantly enhances disaster response efforts. From hurricanes to wildfires, this collaboration leverages the unique strengths of each sector, creating a whole community approach that isn’t possible otherwise.
With their deep community roots and nimble operations, nonprofits often have the advantage of quickly deploying to a disaster, providing immediate aid and support to those affected. They can rapidly mobilize volunteers, distribute essential supplies and offer critical services like food and medical care.
In the federal government, the people who cultivate and sustain partnerships with voluntary, faith and community organizations at the local and national level are FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) within the Individual Assistance Division in partnership with the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. These federal public servants nurture long-lasting, steadfast relationships with voluntary, faith-based and community-based organizations, foundations, philanthropic partners, state and other federal government agencies to promote a unity of effort and adapt solutions to meet shortfalls and unmet needs.
“We value partnerships and relationships in our business. They make us a team in a team sport,” said Team Rubicon vice president of operations Jeff Byard. “We can help disaster survivors better with Team Rubicon’s partnership with FEMA. Our team is linked across the country because disasters are local. FEMA is a great partner.” Team Rubicon is a veteran-led, FEMA voluntary agency partner that provides specialized disaster response services.
Nicole Wood
Acting Director, DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
“After disasters, FEMA VALs and the DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships work closely with faith and community leaders who play a critical role in healing, rebuilding, and restoring a sense of normalcy and hope in communities devastated by disasters. Their unwavering presence and leadership offer strength and guidance to navigate the complexities of disaster recovery,” said Nicole Wood, acting director of the DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Over the past few years, the role of VALs and the DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships has greatly expanded. They have assisted with public health, safety or humanitarian needs, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Flint, Michigan water crisis. After the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, VALs were called to support other federal agencies where social service and voluntary organization support, and coordination is highly needed. Many times, these issues fall outside the agency’s authority, and this is where the partnerships between VALs and the non-governmental community have really been tested and proven.
While VALs duties have expanded, we and continue working with partners who support the needs of survivors to promote a whole-of-community approach to disaster response and adapt solutions to meet shortfalls.
This includes coordination with civil rights organizations to enable services for people with disabilities, provide legal support, and working alongside organizations that represent and engage underserved populations. In addition, VALs coordinate support for major and minor home repair, mitigation efforts and reconstruction, financial assistance, debris removal support services including access to chainsaws and assistance with the muck and gut process for home clean-up.
“Crisis Cleanup is grateful for the collaboration of FEMA and thousands of community organizations who help their neighbors after disasters,” said Crisis Cleanup executive director Aaron Titus. “We are proud to help volunteers help more people.”
Other services that VALs support include donation management such as when a nonprofit receives an excess of donations after a disaster; general social services such as housing or childcare services; or community preparedness information and support.
FEMA’s VAL network has staff across the United States. They form a powerful alliance that significantly enhances disaster response efforts that allow FEMA to support volunteers not just during a disaster, but before and after as well.
For more information about the work our partners do, visit FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison | FEMA.gov and DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
