Equity

***FEMA Brings Equity Into Disaster Assistance***

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**

FEMA's approach to disaster assistance, particularly after Hurricane Helene, incorporates **Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)** principles to ensure equitable recovery for all affected individuals. Here are the key DEI rules and initiatives in place:

## Overview of DEI Initiatives

1. **Executive Order Compliance**: FEMA operates under the Biden/Harris administration's Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities. This mandates federal agencies to assess and improve equity concerning race, ethnicity, income, geography, and other factors[5][6].

2. **Targeted Assistance Programs**:
- **Serious Needs Assistance**: This upfront payment is designed to help households cover essential items like food, water, and medical supplies immediately after a disaster[1][4].
- **Displacement Assistance**: Financial support is provided for temporary housing needs when individuals cannot return to their homes due to disaster impacts[1][4].

3. **Community Engagement**: FEMA encourages local officials and community leaders to incorporate DEI principles into recovery planning. This involves identifying historically marginalized groups and ensuring they receive adequate resources during recovery efforts[6].

4. **Expanded Housing Assistance**: FEMA has enhanced its housing assistance programs to include provisions for individuals with disabilities or special needs, ensuring that home repairs are accessible and functional post-disaster[5][6].

## Implementation Strategies

- **Documentation Flexibility**: FEMA now accepts a broader range of documents for verifying ownership and occupancy, which helps those without a traditional proof (like deeds) access assistance more easily[5][6].
- **Community Recovery Guides**: FEMA provides resources and guides to local officials aimed at facilitating equitable recovery outcomes by addressing "historical inequities" in resource allocation[6].
**NGO Funding and Support:** Federal funding awarded to nonprofits (NGO) often comes with stipulations that require adherence to DEI guidelines. This includes using equitable practices in the distribution of aid and resources

## Conclusion

FEMA's DEI rules are integral to its mission of providing effective disaster relief. By prioritizing equity in its programs and policies, FEMA aims to ensure that all individuals, especially those from LGBTQ+ and underserved communities, receive the support they need during crises like Hurricane Helene. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also seeks to rectify long-standing disparities in disaster recovery efforts.

The local Emergency Service Organizations and neighbors helping people have advised that all people are equal in disaster recovery.

Citations:
[1] https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241004/fema-assistance-available-people-affected-hurricane-helene-more-45-million
[2] https://www.tampa.gov/news/2024-10/fema-assistance-available-hurricane-victims-157301
[3] https://grist.org/extreme-weather/fact-checking-the-wild-conspiracies-in-the-wake-of-hurricane-helene/
[4] https://www.wesa.fm/2024-10-07/fact-checking-falsehoods-about-fema-funding-and-hurricane-helene
[5] https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/equity
[6] https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_equitable-recovery-post-disaster-guide-local-officials-leaders.pdf
[7] https://www.fema.gov/about/strategic-plan/goal-1/objective-1-1
[8] https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene/rumor-response