United in Disaster Response
When disaster strikes, United Ways across Florida step in to support their communities in a variety of ways, including:
- Coordinating volunteers & donations – volunteer recruitment and coordination, donation collection and distribution, managing Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs).
- Financial assistance – temporary financial help for rent, mortgage, utilities, and home repairs.
- Standing up MARCs and FRCs – activation of Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) and Family Resource Centers (FRCs); coordination of disaster funds and immediate relief services.
- Disaster Relief Assistance (DRA) – providing direct relief programs and fund distribution.
- Disaster case management – connecting individuals and families to long-term recovery services and resources.
- Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) support – coordination, administration, and serving as fiscal agent.
- ESF-15 backup and COAD leadership – backing up the ESF-15 role for counties; coordinating and/or participating in Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COADs); serving as lead coordinating entity when needed.
- Funder’s Coalition coordination – organizing and managing funders’ coalitions to take and process applications.
- Providing 211 services – real-time information on disaster recovery and mitigation resources by phone, text, and chat; central hub of needs and resource connections.
- In-kind resource procurement & distribution – food, supplies, transportation, hotels, and other critical needs before and after storms.