VOAD is the forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle—preparation, response and recovery—to help disaster survivors and their communities.
Members of VOADs form coalitions of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission. National VOAD was founded in 1970 in response to the challenges many disaster organizations experienced following Hurricane Camille, which hit the Gulf Coast in August, 1969. It coordinates relief efforts between voluntary agencies, faith-based groups and government organizations involved in disaster response.
VOAD’s mission is to provide efficient services to all disaster victims and eliminate duplication of services. VOAD is organized on a national, state and county basis to help meet emergency needs.
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. For more general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community and your life back to normal go to ready.gov/recovering-disaster.
Helpful links:
- Nebraska VOAD - nevoad.communityos.org
- South Dakota VOAD - sdvoad.communityos.org
- Kansas VOAD - ksvoad.communityos.org
- Iowa VOAD - Iavoad.communityos.org
- National VOAD - nvoad.org