Promoting Community Resilience: Impact Evaluation of the U.S. Disaster Response Program

Between 2022 and 2023, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Global Ministries, in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame's Pulte Institute for Global Development, conducted an impact evaluation of the United States Disaster Response (USDR) program. From 2017 to 2020, this initiative aided over 8,000 households in states affected by hurricanes and tornadoes. Using a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation assessed the program's effectiveness in aiding recovery. The findings aim to help UMCOR and Global Ministries optimize resources to improve their disaster recovery efforts, including investing in real-time data collection platforms, capacity building, and case management enhancement. These improvements significantly boost community resilience and recovery in areas severely impacted by natural disasters. This assessment highlights UMCOR's critical role in supporting communities ravaged by increasing natural disasters and underscores its commitment to enhancing resilience and aiding recovery efforts.