ABSTRACT
In the wake of unprecedented recent disasters, it has become evident to policy makers that a wide range of private nonprofi t agencies play unanticipated but valued roles in disaster response and recovery (Boris & Steuerle, 2006; DeVita, 2007; GAO, 2008; Homeland Security Institute, 2006; Kapucu, Augustin, & Garayev, 2009; Pipa, 2006). These community organizations diff er from Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) (see Appendix for additional defi nitions). Nonetheless, their community-oriented missions of social and human service provision, economic development, volunteerism, or other local services make them inevitable participants in some level of disaster planning, response, and recovery. Some of these organizations serve vulnerable populations (such as agencies serving individuals with disabilities; child care and after-school organizations; area agencies for the elderly; shelters for the homeless; and animal welfare agencies for domestic pets). Some participate in community disaster response and recovery on a temporary, ad hoc, or spontaneous basis. Some are called on because they bring particular expertise or resources, such as historic preservationists, stewards of natural resources, or community foundations.
