Meeting Facilitation for Post-Disaster Housing Delivery

After four hurricanes left thousands of Floridians homeless, Hagerty helped the government standardize post-disaster housing procedures.

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Project Overview

Four major hurricanes hit Florida in just six weeks, leaving thousands of residents homeless. In response, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed localized rapid-response teams, known as Strike Teams, to address the urgent post-disaster housing needs of the affected residents. However, the absence of a centralized approach led to each team operating independently, causing inefficiencies and communication breakdowns. As a result, frustration with the program grew, and serious consideration was given to discontinuing it if the issues were not resolved quickly.

Understanding the Mission

Hagerty facilitated a crucial meeting with all thirty Strike Team leaders to secure their commitment to standardizing post-disaster housing procedures. The goal was to improve communication among teams and streamline housing operations. Ultimately, these efforts would help ensure a more efficient and effective response for disaster victims.

The Hagerty Advantage

Three Hagerty professionals, all experts in disaster recovery operations, led an in-depth discussion with the thirty team leaders. Through collaborative dialogue, they identified two key issues hindering post-disaster housing efforts. First, many team leaders lacked a complete understanding of the housing process and their role in the broader recovery efforts. Second, there was a significant communication gap, particularly in tracking housing progress and coordinating with all involved parties. After six hours of discussion, the group agreed on actionable steps to standardize and enhance housing operations.

Achieving Results

The outcomes of this meeting were highly successful. The newly standardized post-disaster housing processes dramatically improved efficiency. The leaders quickly implemented weekly conference calls to monitor progress and resolve emerging issues. The team leaders gained access to a centralized tracking database, which allowed them to input data and stay updated on the housing distribution process. As a result, they delivered post-disaster housing solutions more efficiently, providing 16,000 trailers within just a few months—a FEMA record at the time.

The success of this project demonstrated the critical importance of centralized coordination, clear communication, and standardized processes in responding to the housing needs of those affected by natural disasters. Learn more about the customized post-disaster housing solutions we can provide to your community here.

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