In a 2021 report, the World Meteorological Organization found, “The number of disasters has increased by a factor of five over the 50-year period [1970–2019], driven by climate change, more extreme weather and improved reporting." These disasters resulted in over 2 million deaths and $3.64 trillion in losses.

The fires in the west, hurricanes in the southeast, flooding throughout the east coast and coronavirus throughout the world have created more than just temporary setbacks. They are exacerbating existing challenges within every aspect of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs such housing security, food security, job security and/or self-actualization. The families impacted by these disasters are experiencing long-term effects that impact their health, their well-being and their overall forward trajectory.

In March of 2020, I told a group of colleagues, “The decisions we make today will not only impact today but will impact the future-scape of students and families six months, two years, five years or even 10 years from now.” It’s hard to believe “in a moment” that this type of statement has weight or significance. But ask the students and families impacted by Hurricane Katrina how their lives were not only disrupted, but are still being impacted over 16 years later. Ask the students and families of the 2008 Great Recession about their recovery period that extended into 2018. And then compare the decisions and trends that occurred during these disastrous timeframes to now.

Surviving is not thriving. And as climate change, environmental injustice, natural disasters, and worldly diseases continue to exacerbate existing systemic disparities and inequities, I believe now is the time for philanthropy to lean in and focus on the larger, long-term impact.

Four Ways Philanthropists Can Engage

  • Listen to diverse leaders in impacted communities for what they need.
  • Collaborate with other funders to optimize resources that support extended solutions that are both generated by community leaders and that create multi-generational impact.
  • Invest in long-term solutions that address systems change and social justice, knowing it will take time to see results.
  • Advocate for federal resources to invest in multi-year community recovery strategies.

Read the full article about disaster recovery by Errika Moore at Forbes.