Communities We Serve

Stories of Resilience and Recovery

The Disaster Leadership Team (DLT) has been instrumental in aiding various communities across the United States in their recovery from natural disasters over the past five years. Below are some specific instances of their impactful work.

These examples highlight the DLT's commitment to empowering communities through tailored support, mentorship, and the establishment of resilient recovery infrastructures in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Learn how these communities are recovering:

Maui Wildfires | 2023

  • Location
    Maui, Hawaii

  • Disaster
    On Aug. 8, 2023, wind-driven wildfires on the island of Maui destroyed more than 2,200 structures and caused about $5.5 billion in damages. The most significantly impacted area was the historic district of Lahaina, where more than 100 lives were lost.

  • DLT's Role
    DLT deployed experienced volunteers to work directly with community leaders, assisting in the creation of recovery organizations and providing ongoing consultation to facilitate effective rebuilding efforts.

Hurricane Michael | 2018

  • Location
    Mexico Beach and surrounding areas in Florida.

  • Disaster
    Hurricane Michael struck in October 2018 as a Category 5 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage, particularly in the Florida Panhandle.

  • DLT's Role
    DLT deployed experienced volunteers to work directly with community leaders, assisting in the creation of recovery organizations and providing ongoing consultation to facilitate effective rebuilding efforts. Hosted a regional conference to bring together affected communities.

Camp Fire | 2018

  • Location
    Paradise, California.

  • Disaster
    The Camp Fire in November 2018 was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, resulting in 85 fatalities and the destruction of over 18,000 structures.

  • DLT's Role
    DLT assisted local leaders in forming long-term recovery groups, providing expertise in disaster recovery, and sharing best practices to rebuild the community more resiliently.

Hurricane Harvey | 2017

  • Location
    Southeastern Texas, including Houston and surrounding areas.

  • Disaster
    Hurricane Harvey made landfall in August 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane, causing unprecedented flooding and damage.

  • DLT's Role
    In 2018, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy provided a $50,000 grant to support DLT's work in Texas following Hurricane Harvey. This funding enabled DLT to offer in-person meetings, mentorship, and guidance to local leaders, assisting them in establishing long-term recovery organizations and navigating the complexities of disaster recovery.