Rebuilding community after a disaster

An important part of CAI's mission is to foster a sense of community. Never is this more needed than in the wake of a natural disaster.

We are providing these pages to consolidate information on resources for victims and to help smooth the process of recovery. There are also resources for people who want to help our neighbors rebuild their lives and their communities.

Resources and assistance for victims

If you or your community, management company or business is affected by a natural disaster, there are many resources available to help you recover and rebuild.

The information and sites listed on the resource page for disaster victims will help you locate family members and friends; obtain goods from organizations and individuals to replace clothes, household items and other possessions you lost; get special financial assistance with mortgages, loans, cash and more; get help to cope with the mental-health implications of the disasters; find temporary housing; find new employment, and more.

Helping our neighbors recover and rebuild

We have consolidated links and information on how you can give support and aid to victims by donating money and goods to aid organizations that will be used to replace clothes, household items and other necessities; offer temporary housing; offer employment opportunities; volunteer in the relief effort; help displaced animals; read the latest statements from FEMA; and more.

How CAI and its members can and have helped

• Share or read a story about a disaster—as a victim, volunteer, relief organizer or merely a concerned community leader or professional and learn what CAI members have already done to help.

  Post your story or see what others have to say on CAI's message board. Read stories of support on CEO Tom Skiba's blog, Ungated, and add your story.

• CAI has free information and guidance that can help community associations:
  • Best Practices Reports
  • Reading Room
  • National Service Directory
  • Directory of Credentialed Professionals

What you can do to prepare for future emergencies

The American Red Cross, in cooperation with FEMA, has developed information on how to plan for emergencies. You can find similar guidance on Ready.gov. Get informed, make a plan, assemble a kit and maintain it. Download resources to get started on a plan that could save your life and protect your family and possessions.