The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently held a summit to launch the Pre-Disaster Housing Initiative. This initiative aims to help states enhance their post-disaster housing capabilities. Over an eight-month period, HUD and FEMA will provide technical assistance and guidance to officials in Kentucky, Michigan, and Missouri. The goal is to maximize housing-centric planning to mitigate potential housing shortages when disasters occur.
These states were chosen for their diverse perspectives on the challenges of planning and executing post-disaster housing missions. They offer geographic diversity, experience with major disaster declarations, and face different types of disasters. In the coming months, each state will set priorities, expected outcomes, and engage with local partners to develop a disaster housing strategy.
“HUD and FEMA are not just waiting until after a disaster occurs to bring assistance to our state and local partners," said HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman. "Partnerships like these are essential in mitigating housing recovery challenges before disasters strike.” She also urged Congress to approve the President’s $12 billion request for HUD’s Disaster Recovery Funding.
Adrianne Todman Deputy Secretary
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FEMA’s Assistant Administrator for Recovery, Colt Hagmaier, emphasized that “this initiative is designed to strengthen relationships between emergency management and housing agencies both within a state and between the states in the cohort.”
The efforts by HUD and FEMA aim to build local capacity and support states in adopting proactive approaches to housing recovery. The initiative was created to address potential housing issues when no active disasters are affecting the states. This helps ensure individuals, families, and communities can recover effectively.
In 2023, HUD and FEMA concluded efforts for the first cohort of this joint initiative involving Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, and Washington. The inaugural effort focused on identifying housing recovery challenges in non-disaster environments. It highlighted information sharing among states and tailoring federal support to unique state needs.
Marion McFadden from HUD noted that “the Pre-Disaster Housing Initiative answers the call from citizens to ensure all levels of government are ready for the day when a disaster strikes.”
For more information about the 2023 Pre-Disaster Housing Initiative, visit Planning Guides at FEMA.gov.
