What We Do

Who We Are

Disaster Leadership Team (DLT) is committed to reducing the challenges and stress communities face in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Through direct mentorship, personalized guidance, and the sharing of proven strategies, we help local leaders navigate the complexities of disaster recovery.

Whether it’s a wildfire, tornado, flood, mudslide, or hurricane, we bring the expertise and resources needed to support community leaders in building a path to recovery and long-term resilience.

We are a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of disaster recovery leaders who have personally faced the challenges of rebuilding after devastating natural disasters. From tornadoes to wildfires, floods to hurricanes, we have walked the difficult road of recovery ourselves. Now, we share our experiences to help others rebuild stronger, more resilient communities.

We’ve seen the toll that natural disasters take on communities—physically, emotionally, and economically. Without the right support, recovery can be slow, stressful, and incomplete. Our work ensures that community leaders aren’t left to figure it out alone. We empower them with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to rebuild stronger and faster.

Our Goals

  • Reduce the length of recovery by equipping communities with the tools and strategies they need to rebuild efficiently.

  • Support new-to-disaster community leaders emotionally and practically as they face unprecedented challenges.

  • Share valuable disaster recovery resources, toolkits, and knowledge to make the process less overwhelming.

  • Build resilience in every community and its long-term recovery organization, ensuring readiness for future disasters.

  • Simplify and streamline the recovery process, reducing stress for local leaders navigating disaster relief efforts.

Our Reach & Impact

We’ve had the privilege of supporting recovery efforts in communities across the nation, helping them rebuild after some of the most devastating disasters. We work on a national level, addressing recovery from wildfires, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, and hurricanes. Here are a few examples of our impact:

  • We assisted communities in Texas and Florida as they rebuilt following Hurricanes Michael and Harvey.

  • We’ve provided recovery guidance and support to wildfire-impacted areas in the West including Woolsey, and Paradise, CA.

  • We are assisting with long-term recovery efforts in Maui, HI.

Through collaboration and tailored support, we reduce recovery times, ease stress, and empower community leaders to build a path to long-term resilience. very community we assist is another step toward creating a stronger future.

How We Help

We understand that no two disasters—or communities—are the same. That’s why we tailor our support to meet the unique needs of each recovery effort:

  • Personalized Mentorship
    We offer one-on-one guidance to help community leaders establish and manage long-term recovery organizations, using our firsthand knowledge of what works in disaster recovery. This invaluable face-to-face guidance is tailored to the needs of local disaster recovery leaders. We walk alongside communities as they create and operate long-term recovery organizations.

  • Hands-on Expertise
    We provide direct, on-the-ground support, sharing our experience in managing disaster recovery efforts and solving the immediate and long-term challenges that communities face.

  • Proven Solutions
    From navigating federal and state funding requirements to managing the logistics of disaster recovery, we help communities overcome roadblocks and keep their recovery efforts moving forward. community leaders to build a path to long-term resilience. very community we assist is another step toward creating a stronger future.

Our Process

Recovery begins the moment disaster strikes. Here’s how we step in to help:

  • Early Notification
    We collaborate with organizations that alert us when disasters occur, ensuring we can mobilize quickly.  

  • Initial Outreach
    After receiving a referral, we contact local leadership to assess their immediate needs and create a customized action plan.  

  • On-Site Support
    Two team members are deployed to offer hands-on guidance, with ongoing support from our extended network of disaster recovery leaders.  

  • Tailored Solutions
    We adapt our approach to meet the unique needs of each community, ensuring recovery efforts are effective and sustainable.

In addition to on-site support, we engage a team of 8-10 seasoned disaster recovery experts who provide remote consultation. These experts assist in identifying resources and tackling complex recovery challenges.

Why Choose Us?

  • Comprehensive Support
    From navigating federal and state funding requirements to offering emotional support, we address the full spectrum of disaster recovery needs, making the process faster and more effective.  

  • Experienced Leadership
    We’ve lived through the challenges     of disaster recovery, so we understand the emotional, logistical, and financial difficulties communities face.

  • Customized Solutions
    We know that every disaster is unique, and we tailor our approach to each community's specific needs, ensuring a recovery plan that works for them.

  • A Team of Experts
    We bring together a network of seasoned disaster recovery professionals, offering diverse insights and experience to guide every community we work with.

  • Expert Deployment
    Once referred and invited by a community, two experienced DLT members are deployed to the site. They provide immediate assistance, answer critical questions, and help leaders see the bigger picture of recovery.

Join us

Recovery is a journey, and no community should walk it alone. Whether you're a community leader in need of support, a partner ready to make a difference, or someone who wants to help, we invite you to join us in our mission.

Partner With Us

Your partnership allows us to provide critical recovery mentorship and resources to communities in need.

Volunteer

If you have experience in disaster recovery, or just want to help, your skills can make a lasting impact on communities recovering from disasters.

Spread the Word

Support our mission by sharing our work with organizations or individuals who might partner with us.

Donate today

Our work is fueled by the generosity of individuals and organizations who believe in our mission. While our team leaders volunteer their time, we need support to cover travel and administrative costs.

Help us continue providing essential disaster recovery mentorship and resources. Your contributions help us cover essential costs like mentorship, travel, and administration, so we can reach and support even more communities.

Together, we can make disaster recovery faster, less stressful, and more effective for communities across the country.