Embedding equity in disaster recovery grants management

Natural disasters have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, exacerbating the challenges faced by those already struggling with poverty, housing insecurity, and other issues. Disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, and economic status can impact people's ability to prepare for, experience, respond to, and recover from the effects of a disaster. Without adequate post-disaster support, these communities lose more economic assets, including employment, property, livestock, and equipment, which perpetuates generational poverty cycles.

To address this need, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has passed several acts to promote equity within disaster grants, including the Fair Housing Act, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Homeowner Recovery Program. Each of these laws requires state and local governments to spend 70 percent of the funds on low- and middle-income households.

Even with legislation and federal guidance, many state and local governments struggle to meet these requirements. This issue brief explores ways communities can design policies, procedures, and platforms with the community at the core to not only meet compliance needs, but to drive more positive recovery outcomes for all in their communities.