In the wake of natural disasters, social workers play a crucial role. From the devastating hurricanes that have ravaged coastal communities to the wildfires and floods that have displaced thousands, social workers are vital in both immediate response efforts and long-term recovery. Social workers’ roles are multifaceted, ranging from providing mental health support to advocating for policy changes that ensure vulnerable populations are not left behind.
In recent years, as climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of disasters, the need for social workers in emergency preparedness and relief efforts has become even more evident. Social workers are using their unique skills in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and systems navigation, helping to step in and fill gaps, offering hope and support when it's needed most.
Immediate Crisis Response: Meeting Urgent Needs with Care
When disaster strikes, social workers are often on the front lines, working alongside emergency responders to ensure that those affected receive the help they need. Whether it's a natural disaster impacting a coastal town or a wildfire devastating communities, the aftermath leaves behind more than just physical damage. By having social workers involved, they can help people overcome emotional and psychological challenges by offering crisis intervention and mental health support.
In addition to providing emotional care, social workers are trained to assess immediate needs, whether it's securing emergency shelter, coordinating medical care, or providing food and water. They’re also advocates, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, are not overlooked in the chaos of disaster relief efforts. Their ability to assess needs, provide comfort, and offer resources makes social workers indispensable in the immediate stages of a disaster. “We have urged our members to volunteer with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Mental Health Worker. We understand that our unique contribution could address the unmet disaster-related mental health needs of impacted individuals and families in Florida or the Virgin Islands,” said Christina Cazanave-McCarthy, Executive Director of the Florida and Virgin Island Chapters.
In North Carolina, the impacts of Hurricane Helene were catastrophic, particularly in mountain communities that were unprepared for the unprecedented flooding. Social workers, many of whom were themselves directly affected, were instrumental in connecting survivors with resources and providing much-needed mental health support. In response to the disaster, NASW North Carolina swiftly activated its network, reaching out to members and organizing efforts through the North Carolina Disaster Behavioral Health Coalition. “We have completely shifted our priorities overnight and the staff and board of NASW North Carolina will be focusing on response and recovery to this disaster for years,” said Valerie Arendt, Executive Director of NASW North Carolina.
Long-Term Recovery: Supporting Communities in Rebuilding
Social workers’ roles extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Once the initial crisis passes, they help those affected navigate the complex and often overwhelming process of recovery. This can involve connecting individuals with long-term housing, assisting them in applying for disaster relief funds, or advocating for access to health care and mental health services.
Social workers also play a crucial role in addressing the trauma that lingers long after the physical damage is repaired. Disasters can leave deep psychological scars, and social workers are trained to help individuals and families process their experiences, cope with grief and loss, and build resilience for the future. By providing ongoing emotional support and mental health care, they help individuals and communities heal and move forward. In Florida, the Tampa Bay Unit of NASW Florida hosted a Virtual Support Hour for those impacted by Hurricane Milton or who needed to discuss resources amongst each other.
In New Jersey, after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, NASW New Jersey partnered with local agencies and nonprofits to help with recovery efforts for affected communities. More than 200 NASW members responded to the chapter’s call for volunteers to aid the American Red Cross in its disaster recovery. Social workers were crucial in helping communities access resources and cope with the psychological effects of displacement.
The Importance of Preparedness and Policy Advocacy
Social workers are also key players in disaster preparedness and policy advocacy. They’re involved in local, state, and national emergency planning to ensure that social and mental health services are integrated into disaster response plans. They work with government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations to make communities more resilient in the face of future disasters by pushing for policies that protect vulnerable populations, ensure equitable access to resources, and improve disaster response systems. Social workers also advocate for mental health services to be a core component of disaster relief, recognizing that psychological recovery is just as important as physical rebuilding.
In 2023 the Delta region in Mississippi experienced a one-mile wide F4 tornado that killed at least 21 people, as buildings, homes, and power lines were completely destroyed. Recovery from the devastation has been long-term and will likely last for years. Gwen Bouie-Haynes, Executive Director of NASW Mississippi, said a team of chapter volunteers assessed the needs in communities facing shocking damage. The chapter worked with local and national leaders. “We have followed and advocated for housing needs, accessible schools, electricity, and basic needs long after the emergency response teams left these communities. We have seen how the impacts of Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill, the Jackson water crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic can destroy rural communities," said Bouie-Haynes. "It is important for us to stay in communities advocating for policies to help families with housing.”
Another one of the ongoing efforts in disaster preparedness is the movement toward more flexible licensing for social workers across state lines. In many cases, when disasters force people to relocate, social workers face barriers in continuing to provide care due to licensing restrictions. NASW has been advocating for the Interstate Licensure Compact. “This is why the social work compact is so very, very important,” said Valerie Arendt. When the compact comes into effect, it will enable social workers to practice in participating states and territories, giving social workers more license mobility, especially during emergencies.
The Importance of Collaboration in Disaster Response
Collaboration is at the heart of social work in disaster relief. Social workers often work in partnership with organizations like the American Red Cross, FEMA, local emergency management agencies, and more. These collaborations help ensure that services are delivered effectively and that resources reach those who need them most.
Through their involvement in interdisciplinary teams, social workers bring a holistic perspective to disaster relief. While emergency responders address physical safety and medical needs, social workers focus on the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of recovery. This comprehensive approach is essential for helping communities rebuild and regain a sense of stability after a disaster.
Following the Mississippi tornado disaster in 2023, many affected Mississippians applied for federal relief funds, filed insurance claims, and even attempted to communicate with mortgage companies, but many were ineligible for assistance due to heirs’ property issues. “Heirs’ property is land passed down informally from generation to generation, often because the original landowners died without a will. This ultimately has left many families unhoused without housing resources,” said Dr. Gwen Bouie-Haynes. “NASW Mississippi Public Policy Coordinator, Reginald Virgil, joined with residents and other organizations to schedule advocacy sessions, respond to calls, and advocate for assistance.” The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) offered on-the-ground help, including legal clinics in the affected communities and free legal assistance for individual property owners.
In Hawaii, during the aftermath of the wildfires in 2023, NASW Hawaii quickly mobilized to support affected communities, providing guidance for social workers in trauma-informed care and partnering with local organizations for relief efforts. “We had a request directly from the Red Cross," said Sonja Bigalke-Bannan, Executive Director of NASW Hawaii at the time. "Someone who was staffing the Red Cross and their community liaison person for this fire said, 'We need help with mental health providers. We don't have enough.' So as a chapter, we partnered with other mental health provider agencies to get volunteer lists together to help to give to the Red Cross and to the state… They wanted LCSWs over to help staff the Red Cross shelters, and as people were transitioning from the shelters to the hotels for longer term.” NASW Hawaii’s response exemplified the critical role social workers play in disaster relief by meeting both immediate and long-term needs, promoting resilience, and advocating for equitable recovery efforts.
Social Workers as Lifelines in Times of Crisis
As climate change continues to drive more frequent and severe natural disasters, the role of social workers in disaster relief and emergency preparedness will only grow in importance. They are uniquely qualified to address the complex needs of individuals and communities during times of crisis. Social workers’ ability to offer immediate emotional support, connect people with resources, and advocate for long-term policy solutions makes them an essential part of disaster response teams.