Disaster Preparedness & Response
As we seek to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Iowa brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. There is no greater connection to our mission than bringing hope to families and communities rebuilding after a disaster. Habitat has seen the worst disasters in Iowa bring out the best in our people. Volunteers, donors, the faith communities providing prayers, and so much more. Habitat is proud to play a role in helping communities rebuild and supporting families with a safe, decent places to call home.
Habitat for Humanity of Iowa goals around disaster are
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helping local Habitat for Humanities better prepare and respond to disasters in Iowa through resources, policies, and guidance
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participating in long term recovery efforts such as being a member of the Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council
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the creation of the AmeriCorps Mobile Response Team (MRT).
Our team is flexible and available to help fill in the gaps. We work closely with Volunteer Iowa and other state agencies to help communities find solutions to their unmet needs. This often happens behind the scenes. We want Iowans to have options and solutions to their difficult situations.
Habitat Iowa AmeriCorps Mobile Response Team
Through the partnership with AmeriCorps, Volunteer Iowa, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Finance Authority, and other key partners, the AmeriCorps Mobile Response Team (MRT) was formed in 2019. This team was created to respond to disasters across the state of Iowa and supports housing builds in assistance to local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. The MRT consists of a full-time Construction Manager and up to 10 AmeriCorps members, though any Habitat AmeriCorps has the potential to deploy. They are like a team of volunteers able to travel at a moment's notice. Between 2019 and 2025 the team has had over 50 AmeriCorps members join the team full time.
Habitat for Humanity of Iowa’s AmeriCorps Mobile Response Team is an AmeriCorps funded resource for Iowa Habitat Affiliates and Volunteer Iowa and created in 2019.
The team is trained in disaster construction techniques, volunteer engagement, and is ready to respond to disasters anywhere in Iowa. While providing mobile response services, members will be away from home for up to 30 days at a time. Housing accommodations may consist of a campsite, community center basement, or other makeshift location.
Since its creation in 2018, the team has provided direct support to:
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Marshalltown Tornado - July 2018 tornado- April 2021
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Southwest Iowa Flooding - Summer 2019
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Des Moines and Northeast Iowa COVID-19 Food Insecurity Teams - Spring 2020
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Cedar Rapids and surrounding area Derecho (Summer 2020-Summer 2021)
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Statewide COVID-19 Volunteer Shortage - 2020-2022
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Las Vegas, Nevada - COVID-19 response August 2021
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Trenton, New Jersey Hurricane relief - Fall 2021
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Madison County Tornadoes - Spring 2022
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St. Louis County, Missouri Flood response- Summer 2022
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Greenfield, Iowa Tornado - May 2024
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Northwest Iowa Flooding - Summer/Fall 2024
The team has experience in mucking and gutting, tarping roofs, debris removal, and other critical repairs. In addition, the MRT has worked alongside long term recovery committees, performing home assessments and safety checks. Habitat has assisted 352 disaster affected households across Iowa. Habitat was able to do this by mobilizing 1,180 volunteers to assist in this work over the past two years.
