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Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council

Volunteers play a crucial role in disaster response, supplementing the efforts of emergency responders who provide immediate relief and care to individuals and communities following a disaster. The Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council (IDHRC) encourages organization and identification of volunteers before a disaster occurs. Once identified, these volunteers are able to provide needed assistance in response and recovery efforts.

The IDHRC is comprised of faith-based and voluntary agency representatives from throughout the state as well as representatives from key government agencies. HSEMD developed the council at the request of local emergency management coordinators to identify and address the unmet needs of Iowa’s citizens impacted by disaster events. In addition, group members will assist with the coordination of volunteers and donations during activation of the State Emergency Operations Center as requested, and continue to promote cooperation among all volunteer and faith-based organizations. The IDHRC encourages the formation of similar groups at the local level.

The IDHRC is Iowa's point of contact with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) and also serves as the state's Citizen Corps Council.

Contact Blake DeRouchey by email or at 515.323.4210 if you would like more information about the IDHRC and Citizen Corps.

What is a VOAD?
What is Citizen Corps?
Special Needs Committee
Long-Term Recovery Committee
COAD Community Relations Committee

The IDHRC’s Special Needs Committee is currently working to strengthen Iowa’s capacity to meet the disaster preparedness and response needs of Iowans whose circumstances make it difficult to comfortably or safely access or use standard resources offered in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery (For example, those with limited English proficiency or those with disabilties whose needs cannot be met in a shelter.)

The IDHRC's Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) serves as the statewide LTRC for Iowa. The committee recently served more than 40 counties for the Department of Human Services' Unmet Needs Grant program that ended October 2009. The LTRC seeks to help those individuals hardest hit by both declared and non-declared disasters, who may have fallen through the cracks of various recovery programs.

The IDHRC's COAD Community Relations Committee conducts outreach to local LTRCs, COADs (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) and counties where no long-term recovery group is in existence. The committee provides guidance and support on COAD sustainment, recruitment and training.

IDHRC: Iowa's VOAD		Back to top
The IDHRC is Iowa's Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters (VOAD) and a member organization of the National VOAD. In 1970, the National VOAD was created after Hurricane Camille devastated the Gulf Coast of the U.S. The purpose of member VOADs nationwide includes programs dealing with disaster preparedness, response and/or recovery. Visit the National VOAD Web site for more information.

Citizen Corps		Back to top
Citizen Corps councils help drive local participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats and identifying local resources. Programs under the Citizen Corps umbrella include Citizen Corps Councils (IDHRC in Iowa), Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), Medical Reserve Corps, and Fire Corps. Citizen Corps is coordinated nationally by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For additional information, visit the Citizen Corps Web site. CERT is the only program that the IDHRC coordinates in Iowa; there are 60 counties participating in Citizen Corps in the state. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains people in neighborhoods, the workplace, and schools in basic disaster response skills such as basic fire suppression and first aid. CERT members become an important part of a community’s emergency response team in the aftermath of a major disaster, when emergency services may not be immediately available to every neighborhood. There are 39 CERTs throughout Iowa ready to assist local first responders. HSEMD administers the federal Citizen Corps grant that funds this valuable community resource.

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Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management
7105 NW 70th Ave. | Camp Dodge, Bldg. W-4 | Johnston, IA 50131
515.725.3231 | FAX 515.725.3260