Learning from responses to recent flooding and cyclone
By Emma Wethey, Policy and Research Manager, Philanthropy New Zealand | Tōpūtanga Tuku Aroha o Aotearoa.
Updated on February 15th
Here are some points raised in meetings of Philanthropy New Zealand | Tōpūtanga Tuku Aroha o Aotearoa funder members and other attendees in February 2023. They represent knowledge shared at a point in time and reflect what has been observed to date in affected regions:
Need for getting services to diverse communities – an example is mobile service units that can reach displaced people, those that may be shy to ask for help, those with additional needs
When considering immediate relief gaps – helpful items are food vouchers, transporting of food to emergency centres, durable food containers, replacing equipment for disabled people and refrigeration for medical supplies, baby needs, sanitary products and underwear (or other clothing that can’t be acquired second-hand), school supplies, cleaning products, and waste disposal bins
After the immediate response – financial donations are generally more useful, alongside volunteer resources to distribute goods
Reach out with funding to the smaller organisations addressing specific community needs – these organisations often don’t have the resource to look for/apply for funding in the midst of the “hands on” work
Consider provision of community transport networks – services that can replace destruction of private and public transport options, for example for those needing to visit the hospital and for relocated children needing to attend school
Consider needs of frontline workers, for example those in healthcare and emergency response, whose families may also be affected by flooding – how can staff be supported to be on duty and their families taken care of? Support packages for these workers is one way
Consider funding organisations providing mental health and support services to those impacted across the socio-economic spectrum, and also consider services considering the particular needs of children experiencing trauma in households “just coping”
Providing financial support to people hosting others who are displaced
Supporting community led response infrastructure or individuals– huge value has been seen already in local volunteering, neighbourhood support, and communications/social media networks. However both community mobilisers and more formal volunteering networks can be under pressure and under resourced/unfunded
Providing financial cover for those awaiting insurance payouts; and helping those without insurance to replace wide range of personal items
To work at speed, consider what funding can be distributed through already established relationships with community organisations or link with other funders who have relationships with organisations working in areas of interest
Consider the potential of collaborating with other funders to provide single front-door approaches for organisations applying for funds in affected areas. Use the spaces on Match.org.nz to connect with other funders or find fundseekers with minimal effort
To prepare for future events, it is valuable to fund climate change resilience and adaptation projects in communities. Many have developed ideas but need a funding boost to turn into reality
Considering the longer-term needs of low-income families who may have lost most of their possessions. How could your funding support economic development in impacted communities, rebuild autonomy and realise community aspirations?