By Emily Umble
Assistant Director of Programs

Disaster Response is one of four core programs through which Brother’s Brother Foundation fulfills its mission. When a disaster hits, whether natural or man-made, immediate and intentional responses are crucial, and one way that BBF provides this type of aid is through our BBF Disaster Response Kit program. Each kit contains 13 different types of essential items which are secured in easy to carry waterproof bags and placed on shipping pallets to await deployment immediately following a disaster. By staging our kits in advance, BBF can bypass the procurement process and immediately begin transporting supplies, ensuring timely distribution to affected communities.

The social and community disruption to those impacted by a natural disaster commonly entails loss of home and possessions, separation from family and community, and economic hardship. Disaster Response kits provide peace of mind and practical support during this disruption. BBF disaster response kits have been thoughtfully developed through research and consideration to ensure they provide the greatest possible support to each recipient. Year to date, BBF has been able to supply kits to 6 different countries, including Venezuela following the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes and Haiti during the ongoing civil crisis. In many countries, the disruption can be ongoing and with a long-term lack of essential resources. BBF can address these circumstances by transporting kits to in-country partners, allowing supplies to be staged closer to affected communities.

Disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, in turn, intensifying the need for disaster response kits. BBF must procure the essential items and construct each individual kit with attention to detail, such as shelf-life, quality, and consistency. We rely on volunteers and monetary and gift-in-kind donations for maintaining and strengthening our disaster response kit program. Our volunteers include individuals, groups, and corporate teams, and they help to sort supplies and assemble kits under the guidance of our volunteer coordinator. After just a couple hours at BBF, our volunteers gain a deeper understanding of the impact of their work while building a greater sense of community and shared humanity. Becoming a disaster response donor or volunteer is made simple by visiting brothersbrother.org or calling 412.321.3160. Every kit assembled, donation received, and hour volunteered helps us prepare for the next community in need.