92 - An Evaluation of US Disaster Response Program for Promoting Resilience

Abstract Information: To address the heightened vulnerability of communities to climate change and to understand their experiences and recovery status from recent disasters, the Pulte Institute for Global Development at the University of Notre Dame and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) joined forces in 2022 to conduct an impact evaluation of the United States Disaster Response (USDR) program. Designed to support communities impacted by natural or man-made disasters, the program integrates a case management program with construction management and volunteer efforts, providing immediate relief and aiding in long-term recovery. Between 2017 and 2020, it provided over $60 million in disaster aid and significantly benefited more than 8,000 households affected by hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research team gathered and analyzed quantitative data through household surveys of USDR clients and non-clients, as well as qualitative data through focus group discussions and interviews with key informants. The evaluation revealed that USDR clients (the treatment group) demonstrated higher resilience levels than non-clients (the comparison group), underscoring the program's effectiveness in promoting disaster preparedness and resilience-building in the communities it served. Despite these positive outcomes, the study also highlighted the ongoing need for enhanced disaster preparedness among individuals and communities at large. Moreover, the findings prompted discussions on policy recommendations to extend the lasting benefits of the USDR program and emphasized the essential role of incorporating disaster risk reduction measures into these programs to strengthen community and individual resilience against future disasters.