In a room full of nonprofit leaders, disaster preparedness experts, government representatives and elected officials, United Way Worldwide vice president Marcus Coleman asked each to stand up. Then he asked each to raise their hand.
And then he explained why Verizon’s decision to bring all these stakeholders together as it launched its Community Disaster Resilience Initiative in Tampa Bay was so important.
“You have to trust somebody that’s going to ask you to stand up. You have to trust somebody that’s going to ask you to raise your hands,” Coleman said. “When we talk about a disaster situation, it’s really hard to trust somebody that you don’t know.
“So I think Verizon’s investment in disaster resilience – to really come in on the front end, to take the time to understand the communities, to understand not just the critical infrastructure, but the social infrastructure – is making a difference for how we collectively as a nation are going to think of disaster resiliency.”
Coleman was one of several speakers who helped kick off the effort for Verizon at Oxford Exchange on Thursday (June 26). The event marked the first of 15 disaster resilience efforts Verizon will initiate across the nation in conjunction with United Way, its local chapters and a host of other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
“We wanted to launch this new program here because this community really does understand the importance of disaster resilience, and also the importance of collaboration,” said Donna Epps, Verizon senior vice president and chief responsible business officer. “We really appreciate the partnership that we have received in Tampa with so many of you over the years.”
Collaboration Is Critical
The event gave United Way and United Way Suncoast officials the opportunity to deepen bonds with Habitat, the Center For Disaster Philanthropy, Volunteer Florida and other key leaders seeking to better prepare Tampa Bay and all of Florida for the next storm. The collaborative effort, which was highlighted in a new video, aims to pioneer an approach that goes beyond immediate relief. This coalition wants to help community members tap into a sustained network of support, technology, and partnerships that disrupts the cycle of vulnerability.
“We’re asking some very important questions about how we help with not just the known needs, but particularly the unmet needs of disaster survival,” Coleman said.
Coleman stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, noting that this initiative aims to bring multiple partners to the table – a staple of United Way action. He laughed that he can’t build a home, but he knows Habitat can. Between Habitat for Humanity Gulfside Tampa Bay and Habitat for Humanity Gulfside Hillsborough, Verizon will fund the construction of more than 100 homes.
Setting An Example For Other Companies
Many of the speakers saluted Verizon for setting a terrific example for other corporations when it comes to resiliency.
“Money follows money, and if people see Verizon is supporting resilience and recovery, and people see this is important to you as an organization, it matters,” said Center for Disaster Philanthropy CEO Patricia McIlreavy. “It definitely drives others in how they think and how they move.
“It’s setting the tone for the rest of the private sector.”
The event also gave Volunteer Florida CEO Josefina Tamayo to underscore the importance of volunteers in disaster recovery. She noted that with each volunteer hour calculated at $33.17, the value of volunteers in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton extended well into the billions.
United Way Suncoast has moved to the forefront in convening and collaborating with leaders by developing more impactful and effective disaster-recovery and resiliency strategies. UWS serves as the lead convener and coordinating agency for the Manatee Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). Through direct engagement with Manatee County Government, UWS leads blue-sky planning, monthly stakeholder engagement, and disaster resource coordination. It also serves as the fiscal agent and infrastructure support for the Pinellas County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), which addresses post-disaster unmet needs from recent events.
Building On Its History
Verizon has a long history of supporting communities when disaster strikes —and it wants to do even more. It’s partnering with experts to provide educational tools and resources to help communities grow more resilient. The goal? Foster better disaster preparedness, mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and accelerate more effective recovery. The $275,000 grant will help UWS extend its disaster resilience efforts through resource coordination; long-term recovery programs; community preparedness workshops and emergency kit distributions.
Verizon also announced at the event that it will invest in new flood-sensor technology in partnership with Hyfi. The sensors will use sonar to measure rising waters and spread urgent messages about flood risks in your community.
“It’s low-cost, it’s high-tech and it’s going to give you real time current data,” said Leigh Anne Lanier, Verizon senior vice president and market president.
These additions will further bolster Verizon’s long-term commitment to supporting communications efforts in the wake of storms. Verizon already maintains a frontline crisis response team that deploys portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, and drones to aid first responders and maintain mission-critical communications during emergencies.
“We’re really proud to be part of this important work,” said Carrie Hughes, Verizon associate vice president. “We look forward to continuing this journey together.”
