Building Back: Housing Practitioner’s Guide To Disaster Recovery

Instructor: Pamelia Harris

According to the United Nations, a natural disaster includes not only the event itself but the “the consequences of events triggered by natural hazards that overwhelm local response capacity and seriously affect the social and economic development of a region.” As housing counselors and other community development practitioners know, natural disasters tend to exacerbate existing community issues such as economic strain and vulnerabilities of residents. In addition to the overall cost of rebuilding, a family that is already weak economically may experience further financial instability after a natural disaster.

Presently, the number of natural disasters is nearly double the number that took place a mere 20 years ago. In 2024 housing counseling agencies have witnessed events that increasingly put at risk our client’s safety and hard-earned property such as fires, tornados, hurricanes, and floods.

This webinar is an overview of strategies housing counselors can take advantage of to help post-purchase families and landlords prepare for and successfully recover from damage sustained during disasters. Some of the topics we will discuss include:

· Methods practitioners can utilize to help clients understand the importance of maintaining the integrity and soundness of their home’s exterior may improve the outcome post disaster. Also, how conditions like moisture problems and roof integrity can impact homeowners’ insurance pricing and coverage.

· Tools to assist in explaining local mandatory laws and codes such as when a building permit is required for home repairs to first-time homeowners. Knowing when to hire a professional contractor and the pitfalls of working with unlicensed professionals.

· Ways to help clients successfully select and work with construction contractors as well as ensuring the correct scope of work and schedule are defined in the contract between homeowner and construction professional.

· Identifying and explaining recovery programs that may assist in rebuilding your community.

· Understanding how housing counseling agencies may choose to utilize an approved contractor registry and how to build a list for your agency.