Community Resiliency

Two women volunteering with hurricane relief

Building Stronger Communities Before, During, and After a Crisis

Every community faces challenges. Hurricanes, floods, economic disruptions, and other emergencies can impact families, businesses, and neighborhoods with little warning.

United Way North Central Florida works alongside community partners to strengthen local preparedness, coordinate disaster response, and help individuals and families recover when crisis occurs.

Through collaboration, advocacy, and direct support, we help communities become more connected, more prepared, and more resilient.

Resilience Starts Before Disaster Strikes

A resilient community is one where neighbors, organizations, businesses, and government agencies work together before a crisis happens—not just after.

United Way North Central Florida strengthens community resiliency by:

  • Bringing organizations together through Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs)
  • Identifying gaps in services and coordinating resources
  • Connecting survivors with assistance and recovery support
  • Supporting vulnerable households during times of crisis
  • Building stronger systems for future disasters

Our goal is simple: ensure that when challenges arise, no one faces them alone.

Disaster Response and Long-Term Recovery

Disaster recovery doesn't end when the storm passes.

For many families—especially ALICE households—the impacts of a disaster can last months or even years. Lost income, damaged homes, transportation challenges, and limited financial resources can create barriers to recovery.

United Way North Central Florida works to bridge the gap between immediate disaster response and long-term recovery by coordinating resources, supporting survivors, and strengthening local recovery networks.

Our Disaster Recovery Leadership

Tri-County Disaster Assistance Group

United Way North Central Florida serves as the lead agency for the Tri-County Disaster Assistance Group (TCDAG), a long-term recovery coalition serving Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties.

TCDAG brings together nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to coordinate recovery efforts and help residents rebuild after disasters.

Through this partnership, United Way helps coordinate:

  • Disaster case management
  • Unmet needs assistance
  • Survivor outreach
  • Resource coordination
  • Long-term recovery planning

Together, we help ensure that disaster survivors have a path forward.

Alachua County COAD/LTRG

United Way North Central Florida serves as the fiscal agent for the Alachua County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG).

This collaborative network brings together local organizations committed to preparing for disasters, responding effectively, and supporting residents throughout the recovery process.

By coordinating resources before and after disasters, COAD/LTRG strengthens Alachua County's ability to respond quickly and equitably.

Bradford & Union County COAD/LTRG

United Way North Central Florida is working alongside community partners to establish a joint COAD/LTRG serving Bradford and Union counties.

Building these local recovery networks ensures that rural communities have the infrastructure, partnerships, and resources needed to respond when disasters occur.

 

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A person wearing a headset and a red t-shirt with the words "LIVE UNITED" printed on it smiles at the camera.

211: A Lifeline During Crisis

When people don't know where to turn, they can call 211.

United Way North Central Florida supports 211, a free and confidential resource connecting residents to local assistance, including disaster support, food resources, housing assistance, utilities support, healthcare resources, and more.

Available 24/7/365, 211 helps individuals and families find the resources they need during emergencies and everyday challenges.

Strengthening Resilience Across North Central Florida

A resilient community is more than prepared for the next storm.

It is a community where:

  • Neighbors support one another.
  • Organizations work together.
  • Resources reach people who need them most.
  • Families have the ability to recover and rebuild.

By strengthening community partnerships today, we create a stronger North Central Florida tomorrow.

Get Involved

Community resiliency is built by all of us.

You can help by:

  • Supporting disaster recovery efforts
  • Joining local preparedness initiatives
  • Partnering with United Way
  • Volunteering when your community needs you most

Together, we can build communities that are ready, connected, and resilient.

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