New Hanover Disaster Coalition Overview

New Hanover Disaster Coalition supports nonprofit, faith-based, business, and governmental partners  with a common interest in helping our community in times of disaster. NHDC serves as a central point of  communication and coordination, helping to ensure relief efforts are as efficient and equitable as possible,  as well as working to reduce the impacts of future crises. We provide continuity across different disaster  events and throughout all stages of recovery and preparedness.  

RELIEF & RECOVERY 

Coordination of public services across organizations  with similar programs. Centralized communication  systems for information sharing and decision-making  

help identify gaps in service and create more  equitable distribution systems. Standing committees include:  

1.  Donation/Volunteer Management (Includes Mass Feeding)
2.  Construction 
3.  Spiritual and Emotional Care
4.  UnMet Needs
5. Communications

PREPAREDNESS & MITIGATION Collaborative, time-limited planning and capacity  building projects. These include community-wide  assessments, interorganizational plans, collective  resource development, and other activities best  suited to a multi-organizational approach. Ad hoc  project teams operate from a shared action plan,  timeline, and accountability system.  

EDUCATION & RESILIENCE 

Communication campaigns designed to strengthen the  community’s overall ability to recover from future  disasters. Outreach campaigns for the general public  enhance awareness and preparedness at the individual  level. Advocacy campaigns seek to inform and engage  decision makers regarding public policy, especially  around issues that lead to disparate disaster impacts.

Our Role 

NHDC enhances the work of partner organizations through facilitation and capacity building, rather than  offering direct services. By providing structures and processes for collaborative work, ensuring partners remain engaged and receive support throughout the stages of disaster response, and upholding collective  values like transparency and equity, NHDC helps strengthen overall efforts and relationships.  

Partner Support 

In order to engage partners over short- and long-term recovery efforts, NHDC provides capacity building support services (e.g., program development and evaluation, grant writing) and financial resources that are  distributed internally through facilitated, democratic processes.  

Equity in Action 

NHDC intentionally seeks to engage partners and communities that represent diverse interests and needs.  By engaging individuals most affected by disasters, especially in preparedness and resiliency efforts, the  coalition’s work is designed to have the greatest impact and bring people together in the process.