How nonprofits respond before, during, and after the disaster strike

What role does nonprofits play when disaster strikes?

They play a critical role by complementing state efforts and filling gaps in immediate and long-term recovery needs.

Collaboration is a trademark of how nonprofits reply to disasters. These organizations often work alongside government agencies and personal sector partners to coordinate efforts. This approach ensures that aid is distributed efficiently and directs resources where they’re needed most.

National groups often lead efforts to establish emergency shelters, distribute food and water, and supply mental health support. In a best-case scenario, these large organizations partner with local nonprofits which might be uniquely positioned to mobilize quickly and leverage their deep understanding of community needs and established trust with residents.

In some disasters, especially big ones like this Lahaina, Hawaii, fire in 2023Non-profit organizations also act as coordinators. They ensure volunteers, donations and other resources flow to individuals who need assistance.

Nonprofits' flexibility and community-based networks enable them to answer local challenges, equivalent to: Beyond immediate relief, many nonprofits proceed to be involved in long-term recovery efforts, helping to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and promote community resilience.

Two women sit at a table overflowing with food but look dismal.
Evangeline Balintona, who was surrounded by food donations, and her sister Elsie Rosales sit in a hotel condo after losing homes in Lahaina on September 1, 2023 in Kahana, Hawaii.
AP Photo/Marco Garcia

What do nonprofits do before disasters occur?

Nonprofits play an important role Role in disaster preparedness By working to scale back risk and construct resilience.

In fire-prone regions equivalent to the Los Angeles Foothills, organizations often deal with educating the general public, helping residents understand fire risks and create evacuation plans. They also implement fire mitigation strategies equivalent to:

Nonprofit organizations also conduct community training programs, equivalent to: CPR certification or Community Emergency Response Team – cert – trained or Alarm sounds Events to empower residents to reply effectively to emergencies.

Through certification training, an area fire department could equip volunteers to organize for the hazards they’re prone to face of their communities. This sort of exercise equips them with essential disaster response skills, including fire safety and light-weight search and rescue expertise. During the sound of the alarm events, smoke detectors will probably be installed in at-risk communities and residents will probably be assisted in making evacuation plans.

Partnerships with government agencies, private corporations, and other nonprofit organizations should ideally be in place before a disaster occurs to make sure a coordinated response when it occurs.

For example, nonprofit organizations may enter into agreements to establish emergency shelters or access and distribute food supplies. They also construct networks to make sure coverage for vulnerable populations equivalent to low-income residents, people experiencing homelessness, and other people with disabilities.

Other roles are in favor of more funding for disaster preparedness and infrastructure equivalent to wildfire-resistant construction or community fire areas with spacious vegetation.

In some cases, nonprofit organizations can assist coordinate using government resources. For example, Dean Cameron, director of the Idaho Department of Insurance Recently prepared a bill That's what's pending within the Idaho Legislature that might do it Provide financing for homeowners To mitigate their properties.

Additionally, nonprofit organizations often develop detailed contingency plans for their very own operations in order that they will proceed to offer services during a crisis.

Through these proactive measures, nonprofits help communities prepare for the worst while promoting resilience that may mitigate the long-term impacts of disasters.

What does the situation in LA have in common with what's happening in Idaho?

Los Angeles and Idaho could seem worlds apart, but in relation to coping with disasters like wildfires, they face surprisingly similar challenges.

Both places are grappling with dry seasons, rising temperatures and increasing invasive vegetation that increase wildfire risks. Climate change is exacerbating these conditions, making fires more frequent and more intense.

In Los Angeles, urban demolition has expanded development into fire-prone areas often known as the wildland-urban interface. Similarly, Idaho has seen increased development within the wildland-urban interface around Boise – where the The population is increasing.

This sort of growth poses significant risks to homes and lives, as seen in Idaho 2016 Table Rock Fire And the newer ones 2024 Valley Fire.

Additionally, wildfires in Idaho's forested and rural areas not only put people and infrastructure in danger, but can even impact worthwhile grazing lands, as happened within the 2024 lives first.

In each regions, balancing the demand for housing with the necessity for fire-resilient planning and mitigation measures is a critical challenge.

Another common concern for nonprofits in Idaho and California is ensuring that vulnerable populations receive enough support during and after disasters. In each urban and rural settings, people experiencing homelessness, low-income families, and other people in distant areas could have to evacuate, access resources, and rebuild after disasters.

Firefighters spray down the rubble of burned houses.
An Idaho firefighter sprays debris down homes through the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 15, 2025.
Photo by Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

What are some common misconceptions about nonprofits during disasters?

Many people are likely to think that Nonprofits only provide immediate reliefequivalent to food, shelter or medical care. While these services are critical within the early stages of a disaster, many nonprofit organizations also deal with long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Nonprofit organizations can assist communities rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, or address emotional trauma months and even years after a disaster.

There can also be an inclination to overlook the role of local nonprofits. High-profile national organizations often focus the general public's attention, but local nonprofits are sometimes higher positioned to satisfy community-specific needs and Work directly with vulnerable populations.

These misconceptions can result in the underfunding and underappreciation of local nonprofits.

Should people still donate to established organizations?

There are more opportunities to provide to people in crisis than there was once.

You could also be hesitant to donate to large nonprofit organizations After a significant disaster just like the Los Angeles fires for several reasons. Maybe you're concerned about transparency or the effectiveness of the group. It may feel less personal to you than, say, giving money to a GoFundMe campaign.

I believe people should still consider donating to large and established organizations, but I also imagine it's vital to achieve this thoughtfully. Large nonprofit organizations equivalent to the American Army of the Red Cross or Salvation Authority often have the infrastructure, expertise, and logistical ability to mobilize quickly and scale their operations to effectively address the disasters.

These organizations also maintain established relationships with government agencies, local nonprofits, and international partners. These networks enable coordinated responses that smaller or newer groups may have to attain.

However, the emergence of options equivalent to crowdfunding platforms, grassroots campaigns, and nonprofit organizations have expanded the opportunities for people to direct their support toward specific causes or populations. These avenues could make a giant difference, especially when donors want to handle local or area of interest needs. Still, newer or less established groups are usually not allowed to have transparency or accountability.

Established organizations typically have robust financial oversight and accountability systems. They are sometimes higher equipped to handle not only immediate relief needs but in addition long-term recovery efforts that smaller or informal groups may not have the flexibility to support.

Of course, it’s at all times advisable to do research before committing a matter of any kind.

Ultimately, the alternative will depend on your personal priorities. Do you should support immediate relief, contribute to systemic solutions, or help a particular community?

By donating from large organizations and native efforts, you possibly can maximize your impact and help support everyone in a community. And that's vital, especially after a disaster as large because the Los Angeles wildfires.

image credit : theconversation.com