NGO Resources
Non-governmental organizations fill critical gaps in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery — from mass feeding and shelter to specialized technical assistance and long-term rebuilding.
NGOs in emergency management
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are a cornerstone of the U.S. emergency management system. They provide capabilities that government agencies cannot — from the scale of the Red Cross's mass care operations to the specialized expertise of organizations like Direct Relief or Team Rubicon.
Understanding how NGOs integrate into the Incident Command System, which ESFs they support, and how to build relationships with them before a disaster is essential for any emergency manager.
Mass Care & Sheltering
Organizations that provide emergency shelter, feeding, and basic needs for displaced populations.
American Red Cross
Primary mass care partner under ESF-6; operates emergency shelters and provides feeding, mental health, and disaster health services.
Visit websiteThe Salvation Army
Emergency feeding (mobile canteens and fixed sites), emotional and spiritual care, and shelter support.
Visit websiteWorld Central Kitchen
Large-scale emergency food relief; deploys rapidly to provide hot meals in disaster-affected areas.
Visit websiteLong-Term Recovery
Organizations focused on rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and supporting community recovery over months and years.
Habitat for Humanity
Home repair and reconstruction for low-income disaster survivors; operates through local affiliates and disaster response teams.
Visit websiteCatholic Charities USA
Case management, housing assistance, and long-term recovery services through a nationwide network of diocesan agencies.
Visit websiteSBP
Disaster recovery and rebuilding organization focused on shrinking the time between disaster and recovery for vulnerable communities.
Visit websiteTechnical & Specialized
Organizations with specialized capabilities — search and rescue, medical, logistics, and technical assistance.
Team Rubicon
Veteran-led disaster response organization specializing in debris removal, construction, and medical operations.
Visit websiteDirect Relief
Medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment for disaster response and healthcare strengthening.
Visit websiteAll Hands and Hearts
Volunteer-powered disaster recovery focusing on rebuilding schools, homes, and community infrastructure.
Visit websiteFaith-Based Organizations
Faith communities with organized disaster response capabilities and deep community trust.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
One of the largest disaster relief organizations in the U.S.; specializes in feeding, chainsaw, mud-out, and childcare.
Visit websiteUnited Methodist Committee on Relief
Early Response Teams for immediate cleanup, plus long-term recovery case management and rebuilding.
Visit websiteIslamic Relief USA
Emergency relief and long-term recovery services; active in major U.S. disasters.
Visit websiteHow NGOs integrate into ICS
NGOs operating in a disaster area should be integrated into the Incident Command System through the appropriate Emergency Support Function. Most mass care NGOs work under ESF-6 (Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services). Technical NGOs may fall under ESF-3 (Public Works), ESF-8 (Public Health and Medical), or ESF-13 (Public Safety). The Liaison Officer (LOFR) position in ICS is the primary point of contact for NGO coordination at the incident level.
Establish MOUs with key NGOs before a disaster — not during one.
Include NGO representatives in your EOC as agency representatives or in the Multiagency Coordination Group (MAC Group).
Understand each NGO's activation criteria — some require a presidential disaster declaration, others self-deploy.
Coordinate through your State VOAD to avoid duplication of services and identify gaps.
NGOs are not subordinate to government — they are partners. Coordination, not command, is the right approach.
Key resources
National VOAD Member Directory
Comprehensive list of national VOAD member organizations
FEMA ESF-6 Annex
Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services ESF annex
FEMA Private Sector Division
FEMA resources for NGO and private sector coordination
InterAction
Alliance of international NGOs — useful for large-scale or international disaster contexts
FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons
FEMA's VAL program — the bridge between FEMA and voluntary organizations