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OHIO EMA Disaster Recovery Branch

Individual Assistance StaffBrigitte Bouska (614) 799-3671, bbouska Libby Wiegel (614) 889-7177, lwiegel

Branch ChiefGreg Keller (614) 799-3669, gkeller

Note: All emails end with @dps.state.oh.us

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Introduction 2005 Hurricanes Katrina/Rita

The need to improve disaster housing became evident.

2006 Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act (PKEMRA)

Requires the set-up of a National Disaster Housing Taskforce

2009 FEMA’s development of the National Disaster Housing Strategy (NDHS)

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Introduction (continued) National Disaster Housing Strategy Clarifies roles & responsibilities for each level of

gov’t. Emphasizes a need to coordinate and utilize all

resources available through partnership and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to provide short- and long-term housing options.

Encourages states to establish a State-Led Housing Task Force.

States to develop their own strategy or plan to address catastrophic disaster housing needs.

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Introduction (continued) October 2009 Ohio Disaster Housing Task

Force convened for the first time. September 2010 Completion of the State

of Ohio Disaster Housing Strategy

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State Disaster Housing StrategyI. IntroductionII. Disaster Housing PartnersIII. ConsiderationsIV. Roles and Capabilities (of housing

partners)V. Roles for County GovernmentsVI. Roles for Local GovernmentsVII. Concept of Operations

Quick Reference Acronyms

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Ohio’s Disaster Housing Partners State partners:Ohio Emergency Management Agency (co-

chair)Ohio Housing Finance Agency (co-chair) OH Dept of AgingOH Dept of DevelopmentOH Dept of Health OH Dept of Mental HealthOH Dept of Natural ResourcesOH Environmental Protection Agency

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Ohio’s Disaster Housing PartnersFederal partners:Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)US Dept of Agriculture (Rural Development)US Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Non-governmental organizations:American Red Cross (ARC)Ohio Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters

(VOAD)

County representation:Emergency Management Association of Ohio

(EMAO)

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Intent of the StrategyTo address catastrophic disaster housing

following a presidential declaration that includes Individual Assistance programs.

Not every event will require the convening of the Task Force.

The event must be a major incident that requires a significant housing effort.

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Activation of the Task Force

When housing needs > housing resources

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Implementation of the Strategy

Implementation of the Strategy will require coordination with all levels of government, agencies and non-governmental organizations.

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Roles for County Government1. County governments are responsible for

coordinating local jurisdictions and providing technical assistance to same.

2. County governments may play a key role in issuing building permits for substantially damaged structures and the construction of community sites.

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Roles for Local Governments1. Local governments /jurisdictions will play an active role in

their own recovery.

2. Local Governments/jurisdictions have a key role in assessing local housing needs versus available rental resources. This should be done in coordination with the State Disaster Housing Task Force and FEMA.

3. Local needs must be determined in coordination with local communities/residents/businesses in the affected areas.  

4. Local officials are responsible for identifying available and suitable land, as well as obtaining permits for community sites. They are also responsible for ensuring the availability of local services for residents throughout their stays in disaster housing.

 

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“Three Tiered” Assistance Delivery Approach

1. Existing rental resources: Quick Reference Guide2. Direct housing mission:

involves FEMA bringing in temporary “outside” housing resources (i.e manufactured home park, etc.)

By mutual decision with state and local government

3. Relocation: In some instances a disaster may be catastrophic to a point where no housing resources are available. Disaster survivors may need to relocate as no other options exist.

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