Resilient DC

Enhancing Partnerships, Creating Connectedness, and Improving Disaster Response and Recovery in our Nation's Capital

Resilient DC is a collaborative project sponsored by the District of Columbia Department of Health that aims to bring together government and community-based partners to build a more resilient community in the face of natural and man-made disasters.

Recent Activity

Workgroups to develop the Resilient DC strategy are currently meeting. Groups are organized by sector:

  • media and business
  • social service organizations
  • cultural and faith based organizations
  • health care and emergency management

Each workgroup will plan activities that will contribute to the overall Resilient DC strategy.

May 15th, 2013

Resilient DC hosted a community forum with over 100 organizations in attendance. Initial input was gathered from all participants to develop a clear strategy and action steps for strengthening community resilience in DC.

May 2013

The organizational surveys were completed. Results are currently being analyzed.

Perceptions of Community Resilience in DC

Percent of responders agreeing with the statements

96% of responders agree local organizations can work together to prepare and respond in the event of an emergency/disaster

89% of responders agree individuals/families can work together to prepare and respond in the event of a disaster

84% of responders agree individuals/families can rely on one another to help out in an emergency (e.g., provide each other food, transportation, etc.)

74% of responders agree individuals/families can rely on local government to provide support and aid in the event of an emergency

57% of responders agree there will be enough volunteers to support response and recovery efforts during the next emergency

50% of responders agree individuals/families are connected to at least one organization that can provide them with support in an emergency

Objectives

  • Conduct a survey of government and community-based organizations for information about existing activities and resources that can be leveraged for community resilience.
  • Host a community forum to explore opportunities for building resilience and areas for integrated activities across sectors (e.g., business, faith-based, government, volunteer).
  • Increase awareness of disaster resilience issues through a public outreach campaign.
  • Hold a series of community workgroup meetings to identify and ultimately test resilience-building strategies in selected District neighborhoods, with particular focus on the needs of traditionally underrepresented or at-risk communities.

For more information about this project, details on the forum, and early survey findings please contact the DC Community Resilience team at dccrteam@rand.org