Habitat for Humanity has a presence in over 1,500 communities across the United States, resulting in a number of occasions to be involved in efforts to rebuild communities following disasters. Habitat’s efforts are put forth either through stand-alone programs or collaborative efforts with other faith-based and community-based organizations.

Georgia floods 2009
On September 21, 2009 Georgia was hit by heavy rains and severe weather which led to flooding in many counties in the Atlanta metro area and in the northern part of the state. The severe flooding resulted in numerous power outages, road closures, uninhabitable homes and school district closings. The damage led to 17 counties receiving a federal disaster declaration.

Habitat affiliates in two counties are working with local partners to develop long-term recovery committees that can address the unmet needs of the affected families in their areas. These efforts include food assistance, emotional & spiritual care and housing.

Midwest floods 2008
The combination of unusually severe winter storms and heavy spring rains resulted in extensive flooding throughout the Midwest region of the United States in early 2008. By June, a number of major rivers washed over their banks and levees for several weeks at a time. About 36,000 people were left homeless by the floods, with approximately 24,000 homeless in the city of Cedar Rapids alone.

The offices of two Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Iowa were directly affected by the floods and many partner families suffered material losses and damage to their homes. Habitat staff and volunteers assisted their local communities with sandbagging, cleanup, and minor repairs. In addition, the Iowa state Habitat group coordinated recovery efforts among the 36 Iowan affiliates to help partner families and other members of the communities they serve.

Almost one year after the worst of the flooding more than 500 Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members and alumni came to Cedar Rapids to help 20 families build houses in the community hardest hit by the 2008 floods. National Football League quarterback Kurt Warner joined Habitat AmeriCorps to build in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Cedar Rapids Habitat for Humanity group plans to do future build events to help restore some of the affordable housing lost during this disaster.

How you can help
Donate to Habitat’s Disaster Response.