Disaster Relief & Response
The D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation is a member of the Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA). ENLA is the Los Angeles County unit of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) and the Southern California VOAD, a coalition of volunteer organizations whose mission is to help survivors and their communities in the wake of natural and man-made disasters.
Crisis Aid & Relief Efforts
The D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation Disaster Relief Effort program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing support and relief to communities affected by natural disasters. This program goes beyond traditional disaster response efforts by focusing on educating the community on disaster preparedness measures.
Workshops and Presentations
Through various workshops, trainings, and public awareness campaigns, the program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prepare for and respond to natural disasters. This proactive approach ensures that community members are well-equipped and ready to face any future calamities.
Mobilize Volunteers
Additionally, the Disaster Relief Effort program actively mobilizes volunteers to assist with relief efforts during and after disasters. By establishing a network of dedicated and trained volunteers, the program aims to provide immediate aid and support to affected communities. This includes tasks such as distributing food, water, and essential supplies, as well as offering emotional support and guidance to those in need.
Collaborate & Partner
Moreover, the program recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnership in disaster response. Through strategic alliances with other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation establishes COADs (Community Organizations Active in Disaster). These COADs serve as a platform for various organizations to come together, coordinate their efforts, and effectively address the needs of affected communities.
Donations to Support Long Term Recovery
Furthermore, the Disaster Relief Effort program extends its support to Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRG) in the aftermath of disasters. These groups focus on the long-term rebuilding and recovery process, ensuring that communities are able to recover and rebuild their lives successfully. The D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation acts as a reliable and knowledgeable nonprofit organization providing guidance, resources, and acting as a fiscal agent for various groups wanting to partner and distribute donations effectively.
With its comprehensive approach, the D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation Disaster Relief Effort program plays a crucial leadership role in coordinating resources and providing assistance during all stages of disaster relief. By actively engaging the community, partnering with other NGOs, and supporting long-term recovery efforts, the program aims to alleviate the impact of natural disasters and build resilient communities capable of withstanding future challenges.
Find Open Shelters
If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, the Red Cross may be able to help.
Background
The D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation Disaster Relief Effort program is a crucial initiative that has been serving as a powerful relief source for individuals and communities affected by various disasters. It began its journey by responding to the overwhelming challenges brought about by power outtages in Puerto Rico, providing support and assistance to those who were profoundly impacted by Hurricane Maria.
In recent times, the Lampkin Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to disaster recovery efforts by extending a helping hand to the survivors of two significant incidents – the Ontario, California fireworks explosion (Francis Incident) and the South Los Angeles Fireworks Explosion (27th Street Incident). These incidents wrought immense devastation, leaving countless individuals and families in dire need of aid and support. However, due to the unwavering dedication and swift response of the Lampkin Foundation’s Disaster Relief Effort program, these affected communities were able to receive the necessary assistance to rebuild and recover.
Owing to the Lampkin Foundation’s impressive track record, it has emerged as a prominent leader in disaster recovery efforts within Los Angeles County and the Greater Ontario region. Their expertise and commitment to serving communities in times of crisis have made them a trusted source of relief and support.
Furthermore, the Disaster Relief Effort Initiative of the Lampkin Foundation has been in operation for the past five years, amplifying the efforts of the Los Angeles Region Community Recovery Organization (LARCRO). By coordinating volunteer activities and leveraging resources, the foundation has played an integral role in assisting the survivors of the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire in Agoura Hills, California. This partnership with LARCRO has enhanced the scale and effectiveness of the disaster recovery efforts, allowing for a more comprehensive and coordinated response to those impacted by disasters.
The D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation is also an active member of the Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA). This affiliation highlights the foundation’s commitment to working cohesively with other organizations and stakeholders to strengthen disaster response and recovery across the region.
The D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation draws inspiration from the remarkable stories of ordinary citizens, first responders, and emergency management leaders who have selflessly volunteered their time and resources to support those in need during times of crisis. It is this inspiration that fuels the foundation’s unwavering dedication to its vision of strong, engaged, and resilient communities. Their ultimate aim is to empower all stakeholders to stand on their own and foster sustainable and innovative grassroots efforts that will ensure long-term support and resilience.
The D’Andre D Lampkin Foundation Disaster Relief Effort program continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of disasters, with a steadfast commitment to serving and supporting communities when they need it most. Through their work, they strive to create a brighter and more resilient future for all.
Ontario, California Francis Incident
Approximately one-hour following the explosion, the Lampkin Foundation received a notification to evacuate its offices following a nearby explosion in Ontario, California. Although we learned the evacuation order, as it pertains to our offices evacuating, was sent to our office in error, we recognize emergency managers’ efforts to keep residents safe and informed. We are grateful for the heroism and well-coordinated response of our fire and police department and recognize the strong desire by Ontario residents to assist the disaster survivors. As an Ontario-based 501(c)(3), we are committed to providing whatever resources are needed through our Disaster Relief Effort. Anyone wishing to make a donation to assist the Francis Incident survivors are encouraged to do so here.
The Road to Recovery
Like the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the road to recovery following today’s natural disasters are still long. But we don’t have to make the same mistakes made in response to the recovery efforts in 2005. While the D’Andre D. Lampkin understands the desire for immediate relief, we encourage everyone to follow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF), which serves as a companion document to the National Response Framework (NRF). The NDRF is a guide to promote effective recovery, particularly for those incidents that are large-scale or catastrophic.
The NRF is structured to help jurisdictions, citizens, nongovernmental organizations, and businesses:
- Develop whole community plans
- Integrate continuity plans
- Build capabilities to respond to cascading failures among businesses, supply chains, and infrastructure sectors
- Collaborate to stabilize community lifelines and restore services
The National Response Framework includes:
Emergency Support Functions that describe federal coordinating structures that group resources and capabilities into functional areas most frequently needed in a national response.
Support Annexes describe how support is organized among the private sector, non-government organizations, and federal partners.
2018 Southern California Wildfires
Following the outbreak of the 2018 southern California wildfires, The D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation met with our donor partners, Kiss the Monkeys to coordinate and organize disaster relief supplies at the front lines of the fire. While organizing supplies at Los Angeles Fire Station 84, volunteers saw first hand what the first phase of a disaster response looks like. First responders do the best they can on behalf of residents and cooperation between first responders and community organizations is an absolute necessity so that they can focus on what they are trained to do best.
Thank you so much for your generosity. This organization is the best gift from God. Thank you for the backpacks and the food. Thank you to the person who also helps to coordinate the volunteers.
I was honored to be invited for a weekend trip where I was able to spend some time with D’ Andre. I learned about his own journey and I went to visit the foundation office. I also learned about all of the wonderful work that the organization has accomplished. I really enjoyed getting to know the people behind the scenes and hearing their stories of how they work together to accomplish their goals and what inspires them to do the work.
The vibe is infectious and inspiring at the D”Andre Lampkin foundation! Everyone I met had a personal story and connection to Mr. Lampkin that echoed a common thread of leveling up in all ways. I also learned how they have collaborated to accomplish their goals and how they work brining the community together to be a real force of change.
You really get a sense that this is an environment where people thrive and that is precious and rare but it just shows you that it is possible because these guys do it so well.
I proudly support this organization and I hope others will too.
When we needed additional assistance supporting cleanup and intake efforts associated with the 27th Street explosion, we found our friends at the Lampkin Foundation to be knowledgeable, accessible, and highly motivated. We are proud to have the Lampkin Foundation as part of our VOAD and look forward to partnering with them on boosting the county’s emergency management infrastructure of both “blue” and “gray sky” days.
The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.
We are very honored to join this well-respected organization who has demonstrated time after time their commitment to facilitating a more coordinated, cooperative response throughout the disaster cycle.
As an organization, we at ENLA have had familiarity with the Lampkin Foundation since its work with the Los Angeles Region Community Recovery Organization on the Woolsey Fire.
In Our Volunteers Words
Dr. Alison Thompson is a D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation supporter, donor partner, and full time global humanitarian volunteer who has run refugee camps and field hospitals in most of the major natural disasters around the world for the past 18 years. The Lampkin Foundation had the fortunate opportunity to partner with Dr. Alison Thompson during the 2017 humanitarian response in Puerto Rico following hurricane Maria. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in the Humanities from Loyola Chicago University, The Order of Australia from Queen Elizabeth 2nd and the ‘Medal of Excellence’ from General Simeon Trombitas and the 82nd Airborne. She is the current Ambassador to the Haitian Ministry of Environment (Appointed. by J. R Toussaint 2012).
Recovery is a Process
It is best to think of recovery as a process because there are various levels or steps to recovering from a natural or man made disaster. By definition, the term ‘process’ refers to a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. A part of the disaster recovery process is to already have a plan in place. The plan serves as the general framework for how communities will recover from an incident. Good plans are strong enough to steer disaster recovery organization members during and after a disaster in a way that ensures the communities survival. Comprehensive disaster recovery plans have an all-hazards approach, meaning, at its core the plan can be applied to most, if not all, foreseeable disasters. But it’s always important to remember recovery takes time. It could be months or years before a community can recover completely.
Read A Firsthand Account
After we announced our efforts to provide disaster relief, messages began to come in expressing thanks and appreciation for donors and supporters. But one letter stood out. It was a firsthand account by a D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation volunteer who resides in Houston, Texas and the heart of where Hurricane Harvey did the most damage. Latoya Christman, a mother and Los Angeles native asked that we share her observations with you.
The Human Impact
In terms of human impacts of disasters, the kinds of impacts we can expect when a major disaster occurs are both physical and psychological. There are the obvious impacts like physical damage to the body. People get injured, or worse, die. But there are other factors like stress, which can lead to depression and other health related conditions. Perhaps most concerning is the psychological and emotional impact. According to the National Disaster Recovery Framework, a successful recovery process includes addressing the psychological and emotional needs of the community. The process includes providing counseling, support, screening, and treatment of effected individuals when needed. We should expect people to be in shock, stressed, and in need of support and mental health treatment. Addressing mental health issues during a disaster is a challenge to law enforcement and other first responders. So it is critical to consider providing relief for short term and long term mental health treatment.