Harvey Flood Relief in Texas

On August 25th, 2017, several towns in Texas were struck by Hurricane Harvey. The destruction was devastating. At least 68 people were killed in the downpour. 300,000 buildings were flooded. Those affected lost everything. Almost immediately, IsraAID dispatched an Emergency Response team, including first responders and mental health specialists. 

Following the first phase of IsraAID's response to Hurricane Harvey, IsraAID has decided to address needs that arose from the field work conducted over the course of the 4 months following the disaster. Our program in Houston is focusing on two main areas: Disaster Risk Reduction and Building Community Resilience.  

Disaster Risk Reduction

IsraAID, together with local academic partners, is designing a pilot program to address vulnerable populations in the community to reduce their overall risk prior to a disaster and deliver aid and resources more efficiently and quickly following one.

Mapping the Vulnerable Population Landscape is a data-driven program that maps three different crucial layers of communal data: environmental hazards, vulnerability of physical structures and social vulnerability. By combining all three at the household level, we're able to identify the most vulnerable households and address disaster mitigation, as well as being cost-efficient and prompt in delivering aid. Groundwork will commence soon in Harris County, with the aim of completing the analysis by the end of September.

Building Community Resilience

Communities in Agency is a project that aims to empower and train volunteer groups from community organizations to attain knowledge and capacity in response to disasters, in a comprehensive, holistic approach that takes into account everything from physical resources to mental health support.

By taking part in the training program, groups and individuals from the local community will:

1. Gain a framework for understanding the context of disasters, which will enable both response and mobilization of local resources if an emergency happens in their community
2. Receive informal trainings (for non-professionals) on the immediate emotional support and protection issues that disasters bring
3. Create a community network of ‘disaster-conscious’ individuals and specialists that community groups and organizations can draw upon if disaster strikes

IsraAID’s training will focus on both theory and practical tools for a comprehensive approach when dealing with disasters. Training workshops will commence soon in the Braes Bayou area, with the intention of then expanding to other communities we work with in the Houston area.