Advancing Macomb is partnering with the Michigan Community Service Commission and the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division to start a group to facilitate community recovery from the from the impact of disaster in our region. As we have recently experienced, increasing weather events and infrastructure issues have made the potential for local disasters rise.

We are creating a Long-Term Recovery Group for Macomb County to outline a framework for disaster recovery to handle current needs as well as create the ability to mobilize for future incidents. The work that many nonprofit and religious organizations already do fits into this role naturally.

A Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is a cooperative body that is made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business, and other organizations working within a community to assist individuals and families as they recover from disaster. While disaster funding and response organizations are often active in the immediate relief and response phase, LRTGs frequently remain active for years after a disaster and become a community capacity building organization that supports preparedness and resilience. This allows them to focus on clients, collaboration, and the development of multi-year goals that serve their communities.

By joining a Long-Term Recovery Group, your organization will gain a better understanding of a disaster’s impact, including the unmet needs of the most vulnerable populations in your community. It also facilitates effective ways your organization can collaborate with other groups to help.

If you would like to join a meeting or receive more information on the Macomb County LTRG and the importance of this form of support for our communities, contact Angela Lenda, angela@advancingmacomb.com or Diane Banks, diane@advancingmacomb.com.