Response to Discussion Question 9

An explanation of one benefit and one challenge posed by the permanent relocation of residents. Then take a position on the appropriateness of the role of government in providing housing relief after a disaster. Justify your position. Be specific and provide examples.

     According to Phillips, permanent housing is defined as a home from which the originally displaced person or family will not have to move again as a result of the original disaster (2015, pp. 206). Often times when a disaster strikes and the recovery process begins those that are affected and without shelter are placed in temporary shelter for a short period of time. The transition from temporary to permanent residency can be time consuming, frustrating, and exhausting for all those involved. One benefit that permanent relocation has from a government perspective, is that it reduces expenses for future disasters. This is a form of cost-effectiveness for the government. A benefit that residents may obtain from permanent relocation is the opportunity to move to a region that is not inclined to cataclysmic event, for example, flooding. Relocating families into permanent residency can also be challenging after a disaster occurs. One of those challenges is the lack of housing for those affected by a disaster. If the aftermath of a disaster leaves a substantial amount of people without housing, then there may be a shortage for housing in the nearby areas. Another challenge for relocation is that people tend to have a hard time adjusting to new environments, especially if the place they call home has a significant meaning to them. Historical sites, general locations, and dwellings provide “financial security, sentimental experiences, social relationships, and memories. Another challenge that permanent relocation has on residents is their lack of being unable to find employment that they once occupied in the area that they relocated.

Appropriateness

     Each governmental agency has their separate responsibility when it comes to their housing responsibilities after a disaster occurs. The local government has the responsibility of making sure that the process to rebuild is there as option for those that want to rebuild can. This means that they assist in removing the variation of debris that is left behind after a disaster. They also have the responsibility of establishing guidelines for making sure there are ordinances, codes, and recommendation for how structures are to be rebuilt. The state responsibility is to make sure all damages are properly accessed and documented, and request the needed assisted from the federal government. The state is the liaison between the local and federal government. The federal government help is accessible to supplement the assets of State local, and volunteer organizations in major disasters. FEMA utilizes the Federal Response Plan (FRP) to arrange the administration reaction to catastrophes or crises (FEMA, 2017). In regards to housing, the federal government has established a Disaster Housing Program that will provide housing to those affected by a disaster. In addition, the government make funds available to restore homes to a safe, sanitary, and functional condition.

Resources:

FEMA. (2015). Overview of Federal Disaster Assistance. Retrieved from https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/downloads/is7unit_3.pdf

Phillips, B. D. (2015). Disaster recovery (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis Group.