The Social Impact of Long Term Recovery

The Social Impact of Long Term Recovery


Long Term Recovery Organizations (LTRO) are maligned and misunderstood. The purpose of an LTRO is to wait until the last bit of assistance has been offered and to act as the last resort. In a declared disaster the long term recovery period can be 5-10 years depending on the magnitude of the disaster.

Missions may differ somewhat as to the defined clientele and services offered. For example, Volusia Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster (VIND), the non-profit LTRO for Volusia County, Florida stipulates post-disaster related reconstruction of homes which must be owned and inhabited by a Florida resident. The client must prove unmet needs (uninsured or underinsured). The belief of this organization is that it should stay out of the way of all emergency and early recovery efforts, letting the specialized groups, agencies and organizations do their jobs. Once American Red Cross, Emergency Responders, Emergency Management, FEMA, local government/agencies/organizations, and insurance companies have given their assistance and been appealed to the very last penny; VIND makes itself available for further resources. So what is the misunderstanding? Issues include funding, timing, and social need.

LTRO’s are frequently involved very early in the disaster, regardless of the LTRO’s mission. This is a breach of the essence of long term. It is one thing if an LTRO that repairs storm damaged roofs is assisting with tarping newly damaged roofs, but quite another to be involved in efforts for which they are not trained or equipped. The point of their early involvement, however, is crucial to the organization. Early disaster efforts are financial in nature. If an LTRO does not get its name out to the public while a storm is still in the headlines, funding opportunities for future clients dwindle rapidly. Non-profits often have faith-based and civic organizations that have a clearer understanding of the definition of “long term.” However, even the most dedicated advocates are less able to jog their own memories and those of their donors the more that time lapses from a disaster’s onset.