Texas GLO boasts about the PREPS Program while Harvey Survivors live in homes in dire need of repair
Co-written with Ben Hirsh of West Street Recovery and the Harvey Forgotten Survivors Caucus In a Houston Chronicle op-ed lastContinue Reading
Category: Harvey Recovery
Record-breaking 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season reminds us that preparedness is the first step in disaster recovery
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a busy hurricane season with 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes,Continue Reading
Harvey Forgotten Survivor Caucus show the long road to disaster recovery with their first ‘home tour’ (VIDEO)
On January 16, a group of residents who have come together to utilize their collective power under the name Harvey ForgottenContinue Reading
Disaster Recovery in Houston is a tangled mess. This is what I learned that needs to change in my first six months.
Julia Orduña is Texas Housers’ Community Navigator in the greater Houston area. She is sharing her initial impressions of workingContinue Reading
The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 succeeds in the House of Representatives, but more work lies ahead
The Federal Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 (RDRA) passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 18, 2019Continue Reading
Episode 19: Disaster recovery is leaving out renters
When a disaster hits, flooding and fires might not discriminate, but the systems and funding intended to rebuild our communitiesContinue Reading
Lawsuit by four Texas renters says State of Texas, HUD discriminate on race in Hurricane Harvey aid
Four South Texas renters filed a civil rights lawsuit last week in federal court alleging HUD and the State ofContinue Reading
Here is how the Seven Principles for Disaster Recovery could be a roadmap to repair following Hurricane Dorian
The harsh toll Hurricane Dorian took on the Bahamas, Southeastern United States, and Atlantic Canada is a cruel, but unfortunatelyContinue Reading
Two years of disaster recovery: we are holding our fire for now as we listen to survivors and ask government for a honest accounting
In the two years since Hurricane Harvey made landfall, so much has changed. There has even been some encouraging movementContinue Reading
Harris County steps into a future of equitable recovery by passing the #HarrisThrives Resolution
Two years ago this week, Hurricane Harvey made landfall over Southeast Texas. The storm’s strength didn’t just punish with its heavyContinue Reading
Report details the cumulative trauma of family violence and natural disaster during Hurricane Harvey
In a natural disaster, it is vital to act as quickly as possible to help those most vulnerable first. SomeContinue Reading
The U.S. Senate wants to establish a permanent resource to rebuild with the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act Of 2019
Disaster recovery at this moment does not work for all who need it. Structural issues like drainage or organizational issues suchContinue Reading
RAPIDO is now a proven solution for disaster home rebuilding that is rapid, efficient, and just – let’s use it!
On June 12, 2019 at an open house for the final RAPIDO test home in Houston, Texas Housers co-director JohnContinue Reading
Disaster survivors often faced double the financial toll when rebuilding their homes. A new law now ensures that won’t happen.
Following a natural disaster, a survivor’s road back to normal can be long and difficult. If they are lucky enoughContinue Reading
These bills strengthening Texas tenants’ rights and disaster recovery could reshape our future
Texans face a host of housing issues: an inadequate amount of quality affordable homes and the lingering effects of HurricaneContinue Reading
What “equity” in Hurricane Harvey drainage recovery means
The Houston Bayou Initiative invited me to present my views on what equity would look like in the allocation ofContinue Reading
How to avoid disaster recovery Groundhog Day
There is no question that natural disasters will hit Texas again. We hope Mother Nature will keep the peace, butContinue Reading
Low-income households disproportionately denied by FEMA is a sign of a system that is failing the most vulnerable
For some, Hurricane Harvey is now a distant, if not unpleasant, memory. Looking back on 2017, many Texas families willContinue Reading
Texas is offering $1 billion for cities to build resilience to prepare for the next storm. But the process could leave out communities that need it most.
(Photo: A lineman checks on a downed powerlines in Port Arthur) In the last blog on Port Arthur, we predictedContinue Reading
Notes from the field: Charlton Pollard neighborhood works to change the pattern of neglect post-hurricane
Charlton Pollard Resident, Chris Jones, stands on Irving Street looking at a map of his neighborhood, “This area was affected byContinue Reading
Houston coalition holds People’s Tribunal to amplify voices of vulnerable hurricane survivors
As the one year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey approached the Houston Organizing Movement for Equity coalition also known as HOMEContinue Reading
Who’s rooting for Port Arthur?
(Photo: U.S. Air National Guard rescues family trapped in home in Port Arthur) Port Arthur sits on the shore ofContinue Reading
New report details how Houston floodplain ordinance can worsen inequality in face of future floods
On April 3, 2018, the Houston City Council voted to make Chapter 19, the city’s Floodplain Management Ordinance, more stringent.Continue Reading
Texas Housers staff learns from Arbor Court moms advocating for better living conditions
(Photo from ABC-13 in Houston of Arbor Court flooded during Hurricane Harvey) The expertise of each member of the TexasContinue Reading
Notes from the field: Houston mom says her home is making her sons sick. She and many others are demanding better.
“A decent, safe place to come home to, where I can give my kids a good life.” Ask any ofContinue Reading
The goal of disaster recovery should be more than returning to normal
I was honored to give the keynote at the 43rd Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop on July 9 inContinue Reading
Texas Housers submits comments to City of Houston on proposed Hurricane Harvey action plan
Texas Housers submitted comments to the City of Houston last week about the city’s proposed plan for spending $1.15 billionContinue Reading
West Street Recovery makes recommendations to improve state-run rapid repair program
This is a guest blog, written by West Street Recovery staff Ben Hirsch and Becky Selle. West Street Recovery is aContinue Reading
Port Arthur residents told to wait for disaster recovery for too long, but hold out hope their government come through
As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey approaches, there are unanswered questions from residents and a rising level of concernContinue Reading
Texas Housers calls on state to amend Harvey recovery action plan to be more equitable and inclusive
The state must commit to an equitable, inclusive plan that will make new and repaired housing affordable to Texans withContinue Reading