What is a Resiliency Center?

Resiliency centers are trusted spaces that offer support services and resources to individuals, families and local residents to build resources and power, and recover from distress. They are usually located within communities and aim to address disasters, strengthen bonds, and offer support systems.

What Resiliency Centers Offer

Resiliency centers provide essential services during natural or man-made emergencies, including extreme weather, power outages, and unrest. They offer a space where individuals and families can benefit from backup power, clean water, internet, food, cooling/heating and charging stations. Besides physical resources, resiliency centers may offer a variety of social services, including counseling, peer support, educational programs and mental health support. Organizations foster a sense of well-being and empower individuals to cope with challenges.

How Can A Community-Based Organization Become A Resiliency Center?

1. Develop A Resiliency Plan

Create a clear action plan with roles, responsibilities, and operating procedures. Identify community needs, how your space will meet them, and what investments are needed to ensure it can safely operate as a resiliency center in an emergency.

2. Install Backup Power

Secure a reliable backup system, such as solar panels with battery storage. If resiliency centers have access to clean and renewable energy, they don’t need to rely on the grid when there are power outages, and battery storage offers a cleaner, quieter, and lowermaintenance alternative to gas generators.

3. Offer Essential Services

Provide internet, refrigeration for medical supplies, charging stations, clean water, food, and other critical support.

4. Understand Community Needs

Identify the essential resources your community will need to function effectively, such as reliable electricity, heating and cooling systems, internet and phone connectivity, and access to clean water and food supplies.

5. Ensure A Safe & Accessible Space

Make sure your location is safe, welcoming, and accessible during a crisis by providing clear entryways, ramps, good lighting, and multilingual signage. Equip the space with basic safety features, first aid supplies, and trained staff to assist visitors.

6. Build Strong Partnerships

Reach out to partners such as local business, emergency services, and schools to support building resiliency plans, technical assistance and funding opportunities