Hi, I’m Chana Chiesa, and today I want to discuss a critical issue that affects millions of people worldwide—disaster relief. Specifically, I want to talk about the deep inequities that exist in disaster response and recovery efforts, particularly for marginalized communities. This is an issue close to my heart because I’ve witnessed how disasters can devastate vulnerable populations, and how these same communities are often the last to receive the help they desperately need.

Natural disasters don’t discriminate. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods—they can strike anywhere. But the truth is that some communities suffer disproportionately, not just from the disaster itself, but from the systemic inequalities that make it harder for them to recover. In this blog, I want to explore why marginalized communities are often left behind in disaster relief efforts and what we can do to ensure a more equitable response.

The Unequal Impact of Disasters

Disasters have a way of exposing the vulnerabilities that already exist in society. Low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and rural areas are often hit the hardest by natural disasters—not just because of their geographic location, but because they lack the resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from these events.

For example, think about Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The people who suffered the most were from low-income, predominantly Black communities in New Orleans. Many didn’t have the financial resources to evacuate, or they lacked access to transportation. After the storm, they were left stranded, with limited access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and medical care. What Katrina revealed was a stark reality: the more marginalized you are, the more vulnerable you are in the face of disaster.

This pattern is not unique to Katrina. Every year, we see similar outcomes after earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. Marginalized communities, whether in the U.S. or abroad, are often the ones living in high-risk areas, like floodplains or regions prone to wildfires. They may be in substandard housing that’s less able to withstand disasters. And when the worst happens, these communities are the least likely to have insurance, savings, or support systems to help them recover.

Barriers to Accessing Relief

Even after a disaster strikes, the inequities don’t stop. Disaster relief programs are often designed in ways that unintentionally exclude the most vulnerable people. For example, relief efforts may require paperwork, identification, or proof of property ownership—documents that people from marginalized communities may not have access to, especially in the chaos following a disaster. Language barriers, lack of transportation, and distrust in government institutions can also prevent people from accessing the help they need.

One glaring example is FEMA’s aid programs, which have been criticized for being difficult to navigate, especially for non-English speakers or those with limited access to technology. Many people are unaware of the resources available to them, and even when they are, the process of applying for aid can be overwhelming and confusing. This is particularly true for undocumented immigrants, who often fear seeking assistance because they worry about their legal status, even in life-or-death situations.

The result is that the people who need help the most are often the last to get it, or they don’t get it at all. The gap between those who can bounce back from a disaster and those who can’t continues to widen, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.

Building an Equitable Response

So, what can we do about it? How can we ensure that disaster relief is truly equitable and that no one is left behind?

The first step is acknowledging that disaster relief cannot be one-size-fits-all. Different communities have different needs, and a successful disaster response must be tailored to meet those specific needs. For marginalized communities, that might mean prioritizing affordable housing, healthcare, and mental health services as part of the recovery process. It also means recognizing that rebuilding efforts must include long-term economic development strategies that address the root causes of vulnerability, like poverty and systemic racism.

Local community organizations often play a critical role in disaster response, and their efforts should be supported and amplified. These organizations know their communities best—they understand the cultural, social, and economic factors that shape people’s experiences during and after a disaster. Partnering with them can ensure that aid is delivered more efficiently and effectively, reaching the people who need it most.

Another important aspect is improving the accessibility of disaster relief programs. This means simplifying application processes, offering assistance in multiple languages, and providing in-person support for those who need it. Technology can also be a powerful tool—mobile apps, for example, can help track relief efforts, distribute resources, and connect people with the services they need, but only if communities have the digital access and literacy to use these tools.

Finally, we need to address the structural inequalities that make marginalized communities more vulnerable to disasters in the first place. This involves investing in infrastructure improvements, such as building more resilient housing and creating stronger social safety nets. It also means advocating for environmental justice—low-income and minority communities are often located near industrial sites, highways, or other areas prone to environmental hazards, which only increases their risk during natural disasters.

My Call to Action

As someone who is deeply committed to social action and human rights, I believe that disaster relief must be viewed through the lens of equity. We need to move beyond simply responding to disasters and start thinking about how we can prevent them from devastating the most vulnerable among us. This requires systemic change, both in how we prepare for disasters and how we support communities in their aftermath.

I encourage everyone—policymakers, community leaders, and individuals—to think about their role in creating a more equitable disaster response system. Advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities. Support local organizations that are on the front lines of disaster relief. And most importantly, recognize that disaster relief is not just about rebuilding homes—it’s about rebuilding lives, communities, and hope.