 The HSC Human Services Disaster Preparedness and Response (DP&R) program is the sector’s focal point to prepare together for helping people recover from major disaster. Working in cooperation with federal, State, and City agencies, as well as other local and regional bodies, HSC coordinates the preparedness activities of NYC human services organizations for responding to large-scale disasters that require human service organizations to work in concert.
HSC coordinates both planning and implementation of not-for-profit disaster-recovery services following a major disaster. The HSC Disaster Preparedness & Response Committee sets policy and oversees HSC’s planning and response work. A Disaster Preparedness Staff Management Group implements strategy and oversees working groups that develop plans for specific areas of response.
Together with our member agencies and with government agencies--including the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- HSC engages in planning for disaster assistance service centers, local implementation of the web-based national Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN), and coordination of case management to help people recover after major disaster. HSC, an active member of NYC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), also participates in other preparedness initiatives, such as the OEM Avian Flu Planning Group and the NYC Citizens Corps Council.
 In addition to coordinating preparedness activities, HSC coordinates the human services response to help people recover from the impact of major disasters. From September 2005, for example, HSC was actively involved in the response on behalf of Katrina evacuees in New York City. In such efforts, HSC works closely with member agencies and other organizational partners.
The Katrina Coordinating Group was convened regularly by HSC to enable organizations to share information, consolidate resources, and coordinate service provision. The group also served as a central point of contact for government agencies and others to work with not-for-profits serving Katrina evacuees. Other collaborative efforts included the Katrina Welcome Center and Disaster Assistance Service Center operated by the NYC Office of Emergency Management.
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