Reducing Vulnerability for Those Who Are Homeless During Natural Disasters

ABSTRACT

Natural disasters are occurring frequently. Many organizations and government agencies work together to provide citizens with safety and survival information. However for those who are homeless, there is insufficient information about what their needs are during this event. Four focus groups were held with adults who were homeless before and after they survived a natural disaster. In addition, three focus groups were convened with social service providers and government personnel who had been called into action to respond to prior disaster events. Results offer insights into the different perceptions of offered assistance. Implications for assisting those homeless are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Focus groups
• homelessness
• natural disasters
• adults
• poverty

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Sabrina Edgington from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, David Canavan, and Fran Ledger from Canavan Associates for the opportunity to be part of this pilot project. In addition, the author would like to thank Robin Ersing, PhD, Co-PI and Yeshia Amin, Honors College undergraduate student for their research assistance during this project. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are of the author only and do not represent the National Council for Health Care for the Homeless, Canavan Associates, any other organization or persons. Further information about the project may be found at www.nhchc.org.

Service Provider Groups

Group 1 consisted of first responders, social service representatives, and local government employees who responded to natural disasters for the southern part of the county or are direct service providers for those on the street. There were nine organizational representatives in this group. This group actively shared information about the emergency management plan as they knew it, facilitated by two local government staff persons involved in this plan. In addition, key organizational leaders of services for homeless in the southern part of the county related the activities and strategies used on the street for those living outside or in shelters.

Group 2 consisted of seven social service representatives from the northern part of the county. In this group, there were strategies shared for how to keep clients housed in their transitional houses or shelters safe during a natural disaster. In addition, strategies for the protection of property were discussed. Although this group demonstrated comfort with their existing policies and management procedures, they were less familiar with the larger emergency management plan for their part of the county. These respondents were very attuned to the hazards of street living as a natural disaster was approaching, sharing with the group other vulnerable populations that need attention in emergency management plans such as runaway youth, those required to register as a sexual predator, and those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.

Group 3 consisted of a diverse group of county staff and social service providers, including an outreach worker. There were seven in this group. This county was currently reviewing and modify their disaster plan according to an informed member in this group. Not surprising, this group presented their procedures as they knew them, which was then clarified by those who knew the county plan. As mentioned in group 2, other vulnerable population needs were discussed including those who are sheltered due to domestic violence and those who are being treated for addiction issues with active criminal records.