International disaster relief nonprofit ShelterBox USA has been called upon by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to explore a partnership based in disaster preparedness by joining a special event.
ShelterBox USA was selected among an elite group of disaster response nonprofits to participate in its Voluntary Organization Partnership Day on Wednesday, July 26. The event was held at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and provided a forum for FEMA and the attending organizations to raise awareness and enhance mutual understanding of disaster preparedness and response activities. Other nonprofits in attendance included the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and the National Voluntary Organizations in Disaster (VOAD).
FEMA Administrator Brock Long delivers the keynote address
Brock Long, Administrator of FEMA, delivered the keynote address. Mr. Long, who was recently confirmed to lead FEMA by the Senate after being nominated by the President, is the agency’s highest ranking official.
FEMA Administrator Brock Long with
ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray
After his opening remarks, Mr. Long met with ShelterBox USA President, Kerri Murray, to continue exploring how ShelterBox can assist with the agency’s Mass Care division to provide shelter solutions in the event of mass displacement during times of a domestic disaster.
ShelterBox USA staff Kerri Murray and Chris Alexander
tour FEMA operations
Ms. Murray affirmed ShelterBox’s commitment to national disaster preparedness and response:
“ShelterBox stands ready to assist our nation when called upon in the event of a catastrophic emergency. We are ready to deploy immediately when disaster strikes to help families who have lost their homes by providing lifesaving shelter and supplies.”
Our participation in today’s forum provided a critical opportunity to meet with senior leadership of FEMA and discuss the role of ShelterBox in preparedness and response efforts in the U.S.
ShelterBox Tent at FEMA’s Voluntary Organization Partnership Day
Greg Forrester, President and CEO National VOAD
with ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray
