How the Trump Administration Disrupted FEMA’s Progress on Long-Standing Issues

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has faced a lot of criticism over the years for how it handles disaster relief. Many people, especially those from low-income backgrounds or rural communities, often find themselves struggling to get the help they need after disasters.

In 2020, many homes were lost in wildfires across Oregon. A troubling investigation showed that FEMA denied nearly 70% of aid applications. This is a significant number and highlights a persistent issue within the agency. Traditionally, groups like low-income families and racial minorities have been left behind when disaster strikes.

Under the Biden administration, there were some promising reforms. The agency worked to simplify application forms. They also eased residency requirements and made it quicker for victims to access basic funds for necessities. These steps aimed to ensure everyone, regardless of their background, could get the help needed for recovery.

Former FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell mentioned the role of equity in these reforms, emphasizing that every community has unique needs. For example, a family living in an urban area and an elderly person in a rural setting might face different challenges and requirements after a disaster. FEMA tried to address these differences by bringing in specialists to cater to rural and tribal communities, ensuring they received necessary help.

But recent changes under the Trump administration have put these advancements at risk. Budget cuts and staff reductions have led to concerns about the agency’s ability to continue providing essential support. Many experts warn that the lack of resources could slow down assistance and leave the most vulnerable people without help when they need it the most.

Manann Donoghoe from the Brookings Institution emphasizes the importance of understanding different vulnerabilities among disaster victims. He points out that the system needs to be flexible and responsive to these differences, especially as extreme weather events grow more common due to climate change.

It’s crucial for FEMA to have on-the-ground staff who can connect with affected communities. In 2020, after the Oregon wildfires, FEMA workers discovered that many of those denied aid were actually eligible but had filled out forms incorrectly. This gap highlights how important personal, in-person assistance can be in navigating federal systems.

The 2020 wildfires serve as a wake-up call. Many survivors needed immediate support, and those on the ground could see the need. FEMA’s outreach efforts, where workers visited neighborhoods to raise awareness about available aid, were a step in the right direction. Now, there’s concern that without these efforts, many people might miss out on the assistance they desperately need.

In conclusion, while there have been efforts to improve FEMA’s response, challenges remain. It’s essential to ensure that every community receives the support it deserves. Everyone deserves help after disasters, and understanding their unique needs is a crucial step in achieving that goal.

For more on FEMA’s changes and the ongoing discussions regarding disaster relief, you can check out [NPR’s investigations](https://www.npr.org/sections/2020/08/12/900974254/how-fema-fails-disaster-survivors) and insights from experts in disaster recovery.

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