Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council
Volunteers play a crucial role in disaster response, supplementing the efforts of emergency responders who provide immediate relief and care to individuals and communities following a disaster.
The Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council (IDHRC) encourages organization and identification of volunteers before a disaster occurs. Once identified, these volunteers are able to provide needed assistance in response and recovery efforts.
The IDHRC is comprised of faith-based and voluntary agency representatives from throughout the state as well as representatives from key government agencies. HSEMD developed the council at the request of local emergency management coordinators to identify and address the unmet needs of Iowa’s citizens impacted by disaster events. In addition, group members will assist with the coordination of volunteers and donations during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center as requested, and continue to promote cooperation among all volunteer and faith-based organizations. The IDHRC encourages the formation of similar groups at the local level.
The IDHRC is Iowa's point of contact with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) and also serves as the state's Citizen Corps Council.
Contact Blake DeRouchey by email or at (515) 323-4210 if you would like more information about the IDHRC and Citizen Corps.
For additional information: click on the tabs below to open/close.
President
Jody Dickhaut, Adventist Community Services
Vice-President
Michael Stadie, Lutheran Services in Iowa
Treasurer
Don Hampton, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Secretary
Blake DeRouchey, Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Other Board Members
Loren Bawn, Bureau of Refugee Services
Trish Burket, United Methodist Conference
Dan Cataldi, American Red Cross
Amy DeCastro, Salvation Army
Janna Diehl, Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging
Marla Potts, Iowa Interfaith Disaster Recovery Network
Barb Shultz, Other Needs Assistance Program
Gayle Strickler, Iowa Conference - United Church of Christ
Linda VonBank, Northwest Central Regional Disaster Recovery
Leslie Wright, United Way
Rick Wulfekuhle, Buchanan County
The IDHRC’s Functional Needs Committee is currently working to strengthen Iowa’s capacity to meet the disaster preparedness and response needs of Iowans whose circumstances make it difficult to comfortably or safely access or use standard resources offered in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery (For example, those with limited English proficiency or those with disabilties whose needs cannot be met in a shelter.)
The committee is also working on an initiative to help bridge the gap for special needs emergency planning, preparedness and response. The IDHRC hosted a symposium (planned by the committee) to bring together emergency managers, special needs people, and special needs advocates to develop a work plan for the future.
Resources
- Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults
- Identifying Vulnerable Older Adults and Legal Options for Increasing Their Protection During All-Hazards Emergencies: A Cross-Sector Guide for States and Communities (PDF)
The IDHRC's Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) serves as the statewide LTRC for Iowa. The committee recently served more than 40 counties for the Department of Human Services' Unmet Needs Grant program that ended October 2009. The LTRC seeks to help individuals recover from both federally-declared and non federally-declared disasters.
The IDHRC's COAD Community Relations Committee conducts outreach to local LTRCs, COADs (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) and counties where no long-term recovery group is in existence. The committee provides guidance and support on COAD sustainment, recruitment and training.
COAD Resources
The purpose of the Marketing and Communications Committee is to educate partner agencies and the general public on the IDHRC mission and services. The committee will develop and execute marketing and public relations strategies to promote the organization, its services, accomplishments and activities. The committee will collaborate with the Board of Directors and the IDHRC committee chairs to ensure all marketing and public relations activities are supportive of the overall mission of the IDHRC.
The Volunteer and Donations Committee works with state agencies, nonprofit groups, and faith based organizations to help organize and streamline the volunteer and donation process during a disaster. Since all disasters start and end locally, the committee works with local governments to help train and establish procedures for volunteer reception centers and receiving donations in case of a disaster.
The committee stresses two primary messages:
- When donating, cash is best.
- When volunteering, affiliate with a specific volunteer organization.
Volunteer and Donations Supporting Documents
The IDHRC is Iowa's Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters (VOAD) and a member organization of the National VOAD. In 1970, the National VOAD was created after Hurricane Camille devastated the Gulf Coast of the U.S. The purpose of member VOADs nationwide includes programs dealing with disaster preparedness, response and/or recovery. Visit the National VOAD website for more information.
Citizen Corps councils help drive local participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats and identifying local resources.
Programs under the Citizen Corps umbrella include:
- Citizen Corps Councils (IDHRC in Iowa)
- Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
- USAonWatch (Neighborhood Watch)
- Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
- Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
- Fire Corps
Citizen Corps is coordinated nationally by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For additional information, visit the Citizen Corps website. CERT is the only program that the IDHRC coordinates in Iowa; there are 60 counties participating in Citizen Corps programs in the state.
See map of Citizen Corps Councils in Iowa.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains people in neighborhoods, the workplace, and schools in basic disaster response skills such as basic fire suppression and first aid. CERT members become an important part of a community’s emergency response team in the aftermath of a major disaster, when emergency services may not be immediately available to every neighborhood.
There are 40 CERTs throughout Iowa ready to assist local first responders. HSEMD administers the federal Citizen Corps grant that funds this valuable community resource. Visit the CERT website.
