Recommendations for Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency - Spring

Advisor: Melissa Wright

Team Members: Andrew Cummings, Valerie J. Amor, Katherine Altobello-Czescik, Malika Chatterji, Richard Day, Shannon Doherty, Shiyun Jin, Jay Nielsen, Travis Tran, Alireza Zamani

Charitable organizations and houses of worship played a critical role in providing disaster relief services following Hurricane Sandy, yet many faced significant challenges in recovering from the storm’s impacts. This project analyzed the extent of physical damages, funding access, and recovery barriers affecting these organizations, using financial aid records, stakeholder interviews, and quantitative data analysis. The research found that while many organizations applied for federal disaster aid, access to funding was uneven, with eligibility restrictions, administrative burdens, and constitutional limitations affecting recovery support. These barriers left many organizations unable to fully restore services despite their essential role in community resilience.

The analysis also identified systemic gaps in disaster preparedness and coordination between government agencies and community organizations. Key findings highlighted the need for clearer communication, streamlined funding mechanisms, and improved emergency preparedness planning. Recommendations included establishing dedicated coordination roles, improving funding accessibility, and strengthening partnerships between government and nonprofit organizations. These measures would enhance the capacity of charitable organizations to recover from disasters and continue providing critical services. Strengthening these institutions was identified as essential not only for disaster recovery but also for long-term urban resilience and social stability.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone projects.