Case Study FEMA Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) I Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH)
Challenge
Issues • Homes previously repaired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Blue Roof program were not allowed to receive any roof repairs under STEP, and many had developed leaks and other issues. • FEMA DRCs were opened and closed through a rotating schedule that surged to over 80 locations needing STEP representatives present to provide intake services for applicants. • FEMA representatives required the verification of homeowner insurance despite STEP repairs being temporary.
Hurricane Maria was the third most costly Atlantic hurricane in history, causing $91.6 billion dollars in damage. All 78 municipalities on the island of Puerto Rico suffered some type of damage, ranging from flooding and collapsed structures to almost total decimation. An estimated 75,504 homes were affected, leaving most of the impacted residents in shelters, displaced, or living in the rubble of their former homes. Many challenges existed due to the damage caused by Maria and Irma, some of which came to light after the damages were assessed.
Solution
Tidal Basin worked with the PRDOH to develop a strategic plan that commenced the project in less than five days. At the peak of the Puerto Rico STEP project, our team employed and contracted more than 1,500 people on the island. In a single 72-hour weekend, the recruiting team interviewed and hired more than 700 people from a variety of backgrounds – doctors, lawyers, teachers, hotel managers; people who were out of work and willing to do whatever was needed to help rebuild their community. Our team of experts, some of whom speak fluent Spanish, trained and supported the staff throughout the
project’s duration. The program was established within nine months, and Tidal Basin successfully closed out the project within 15 months. The program manager petitioned FEMA to allow homes into the program to undergo roof repairs (e.g., crack, and puddling repairs, elastomeric sealing, and coating). Tidal Basin DRC intake and eligibility managers coordinated surge staffing needs around the entire island to accommodate the increased need for DRCs and requested clarification from FEMA regarding the requirement of insurance.
Maria caused more than $ 91B in damage
All of Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities were affected
We hired more than 700 people in 72 hours
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