Health
At SBP, we recognize that the aftermath of a disaster can be incredibly challenging for survivors, with a lack of clarity and predictability in the recovery process leading to significant mental, emotional, and physical health challenges. These obstacles can result in a loss of hope and a downward spiral of negative consequences, such as unemployment, self-harm, inadequate living conditions, or even homelessness. These consequences impact not only the individual but also their families and communities. Families and friends who provide temporary housing or serve as caretakers may feel overwhelmed, sacrificing their privacy and resources. It's crucial to prevent disaster survivors from reaching their breaking point to support their recovery journey. By providing a clear and predictable path forward, individuals and communities can overcome obstacles and rebuild a better future.
When circumstance forces disaster survivors to live in damaged homes, they face serious health risks due to prolonged exposure to mold. Mold is a dangerous fungus that can grow on various materials and release harmful fragments into the air. When inhaled, these fragments can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and cause serious respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of mold exposure. It's crucial to address mold growth in damaged homes to prevent these dangerous health consequences and support the recovery of disaster survivors.
SBP's Owner-Occupied Rebuild Program aids individuals, such as René, to overcome significant health challenges by constructing safe, secure, and hygienic housing that enhances their quality of life. Now that René’s home is restored, he is able to ensure a sanitary and mold-free environment in which to manage his permanent tracheostomy while also reducing the possibility of secondary infection to occur.
Notable Programs
Owner Occupied Rebuilding
Rebuilding Safe and Sanitary Spaces for Vulnerable Populations
SBP's Owner Occupied Rebuild Program (OOR Program) uses volunteers, charitable donations, and grants to return homeowners to their homes and communities following a disaster. This program serves low to moderate-income residents, focusing on the most vulnerable members of American society. These populations include families with children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, veterans, and individuals without sufficient insurance. AmeriCorps Members from all over the country subsidize this program by serving as Client Service Coordinators, Volunteer Coordinators, Supply and Logistic Coordinators, Construction Coordinators, and Construction Project Leads, overseeing the labor of more than 10,000 volunteers per location each year. SBP's effective use of volunteer labor further reduces rebuilding costs while engaging community members and fostering a shared sense of purpose for all involved. As a result, SBP rebuilds disaster-impacted homes in an average of 61 days at 40% of the cost of market-rate contractors, significantly shrinking the time between disaster and recovery for Americans in need across the country.