The time to prepare for a disaster isn't while it's happening, or worse, after it's over. The time to prepare is now. That's why NeighborWorks America offers a variety of training and resources on disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. Several of these courses will be offered again this month, which is both National Preparedness Month and Environmental Awareness Month.
Climate-related disasters have increased in recent years. According to federal agencies, the number of weather and climate disasters – and the cost of those disasters – have both been on the rise. Between 2017 and 2023, in fact, the U.S. has paid more than $1 trillion in economic damages for 137 separate climate-related disasters that have killed more than 150 people, says Cormac Molloy, senior manager, Curriculum & Training.
Why is it especially important for organizations that serve low- to moderate-income communities to address at-risk housing stock? "Often times, that's the housing that is the oldest, the least prepared, the least resilient," says Molloy. "There's often a lack of knowledge about how to upgrade your home. And even when resources are available, most folks don't know how to access them." That also leaves room for scammers to take advantage of residents, he adds, another reason to increase awareness – and solutions.
The disasters are not just hitting one region of the country, shares Alex Novelli, senior manager, Curriculum & Training. "I think all of our regions are facing this in one way or another. Wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, storms. This is happening all over."
Recognizing this, NeighborWorks is kicking off its training series with a free lunch-and-learn entitled, "Building Sustainability: Key Strategies to Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience" on Sept. 10.
The other courses, on sale for $45 through September in honor of NeighborWorks' 45th anniversary, include:
• Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. ET: Introduction to Disaster Preparedness & Business Continuity Planning (ML008).
• Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. ET: Foreclosure Intervention Services During Disaster Recovery (HO023).
• Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. ET: Building a Crisis Response for Rental Counseling and Eviction Prevention (HO031).
• Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. ET: Helping Your Clients Save Money for Disasters (HO026).
• Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. ET: Revitalizing Communities through Clean Energy and Climate Resilience (NR010).
Jayne Windham, instructor for the Sept. 11 course on continuity planning, describes National Preparedness Month as an annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe.
"Even though nobody really likes thinking about disasters, they still occur with increasing frequency," she says. Her course focuses on developing a plan so organizations can get "back to business" in the wake of disaster. "Having a plan sets the organization's recovery direction and priorities, and simplifies decision-making during times of uncertainty," she says. "This course provides tools for developing your own business continuity plan, making your community development organization as disaster-resistant and resilient as possible."
Molloy agrees. "People think of climate stress as something that's coming, but it's already arrived." Fortunately, he says, NeighborWorks has new resources and potential solutions for the people we serve. And the educational opportunities allow community development staff to link to their own programming and the work they're doing in their communities to help residents.
