In partnership with the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA), the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has launched a technical assistance pilot program to support a cohort of three municipalities in Sussex County adopt pre-disaster actions to streamline their housing recovery process.

This pilot program is based on recommendations within Delaware’s Disaster Housing Strategy and provides municipalities with a Disaster Housing Preparedness Guide, which is a categorized menu of preparedness options intended to enhance recovery efficiency. The Guide provides best practices from across the nation and categorized pre-disaster actions for local level governments to consider implementing to facilitate a smoother disaster housing process post-disaster.

These preparedness recommendations are rated based on the effort levels expected for implementation and labeled as either ‘administrative’ or ‘legislative’ actions. All case studies, resources, and datasets/tools within are intended to support a smoother post-disaster recovery process.

In the aftermath of disasters, addressing housing needs requires a united and collaborative approach. The DHTF brings together various organizations, private partnerships, and governmental entities to coordinate resources, share expertise, and streamline communication across all facets of disaster housing recovery. Each member contributes unique assets and knowledge, minimizing gaps in the housing recovery process.

What does the DHTF Do?

• Facilitates a collaborative framework where every entity involved plays a crucial role in disaster housing recovery.
• Ensures all stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector partners, are integrated into the communication chain.
• Leverages overlapping expertise and resources to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Looking Ahead:

To enhance focus and efficiency, the Task Force will establish subcommittees or working groups dedicated to specific aspects of housing recovery. Additionally, we are actively seeking new partnerships. If your organization, agency, or business has a nexus to housing and can contribute to post-disaster efforts, we encourage you to connect with us. Together, we can strengthen Delaware’s disaster housing recovery efforts and ensure that no resident is left without a path to stable housing. Reach out today to learn more or get involved.