Core Task Areas
Mass Care
The coordination and delivery of basic survival services including food, water, shelter, and emergency supplies to disaster survivors.
Includes:
Mass shelter operations (congregate or non-congregate)
Emergency feeding stations and meal delivery
Distribution of hygiene kits, blankets, clothing, etc.
Feeding Operations
Provision of nutritious meals to survivors, responders, and volunteers. This function supports both immediate emergency needs and sustained operations during prolonged disasters.
Includes:
Mobile kitchens and food trucks
Meal kit assembly and food pantry extensions
Partnership with local restaurants and food banks
Sheltering
Management of safe and accessible temporary housing facilities. Sheltering may be congregate (gyms, churches) or non-congregate (hotels, dorms).
Includes:
Site setup and daily operations
Client registration and tracking
Coordination with public health and disability access needs
Volunteer Management
Recruitment, credentialing, assignment, and safety oversight of volunteers before, during, and after disasters.
Includes:
Spontaneous unaffiliated volunteer (SUV) intake
Skill-based assignments and team coordination
Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) setup and operations
Donations Management
Efficient and transparent handling of in-kind donations, financial gifts, and unsolicited goods.
Includes:
Warehouse setup, inventory tracking, and item distribution
Public messaging to guide useful contributions
Integration with unmet needs and rebuilding efforts
Emotional and Spiritual Care
Provision of psychological first aid, grief counseling, and faith-based support in culturally respectful ways.
Includes:
Crisis response chaplaincy
Group or individual counseling referrals
Debriefing sessions for survivors and responders
Cleanup and Debris Removal
Initial clearing of homes and neighborhoods to restore habitability and safety.
Includes:
Muck-and-gut operations (removal of wet drywall, flooring)
Tree removal and brush clearing
Mold sanitation and health hazard removal
Rebuilding/Repair
Long-term structural repair of damaged or destroyed homes, often performed by skilled volunteers or contractors.
Includes:
Roofing, plumbing, drywall, insulation
Accessibility modifications (ramps, grab bars)
Coordination with housing case managers
Case Management
A survivor-centric process to identify needs, develop recovery plans, and match with services and funding.
Includes:
Intake and documentation
Development of recovery plans and budget
Submission of requests to LTRGs and Unmet Needs Committees
Housing Solutions
Supports immediate shelter and transitions to temporary or permanent housing for displaced families.
Includes:
FEMA Direct Housing Program navigation
Rental assistance and landlord coordination
Advocacy with HUD, landlords, and code enforcement
Health Services
Addresses acute and chronic health concerns that arise during disaster response.
Includes:
First aid, medication replacement, and prescriptions
Chronic care continuity (e.g., dialysis, diabetes)
Health screenings and immunization coordination
Animal Services
Protects household pets and livestock, supporting the human-animal bond during disasters.
Includes:
Emergency sheltering for animals
Veterinary triage and reunification services
Pet food and supply distribution