A qualitative study of disaster preparedness and resiliency among faith-based organizations

Background: Faith-based organizations represent a source of stability and presence in a community and frequently serve their community following disasters by providing shelter, food, prayer, financial contributions, and rebuilding of structures. They are not formally included and identified as an existing system with unique resources and capital that can be harnessed before, during and after disasters; thus, there is an opportunity to increase the effectiveness with which faith-based organizations prepare for and respond to disasters. Purpose: To assess perceptions of the level of disaster preparedness and resiliency among faith-based organizations. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six faith-based organizations, one with a leader and one with staff member at each congregation. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was supported by analytical software (Atlas.ti). Results: Themes that emerged from the analysis were: concern that they did not have a disaster plan in place; concern over lack of preparedness from past disaster experiences; expression of a desire to put a plan together to be a resource for the communities they serve; concern over barriers such as lack of knowledge and resources, low risk perception, and lack of finances. Conclusions: Faith-based organizations have the potential to be an important resource for disaster preparedness and resiliency for the community, but the barriers they face hinder their ability to best serve their community in the event of a disaster. The results of this study suggest that there is a need and a demand for interventions to improve disaster preparedness and resiliency among these organizations.