Document Type

Article

Abstract

As part of the 2025 Indiana State University Sustainable Cities Initiative, we worked on two interconnected research projects: conducting a community needs assessment (as requested by Catholic Charities) and developing a climate-related disaster plan for the City of Terre Haute, Indiana. To complete this work, a student research team examined current statistical information for the Wabash Valley region (including Vigo, Clay, Parke, Vermillion, and Sullivan counties), as well as conducting and analyzing interviews, focus groups, and survey data to determine strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats related to community resilience in the area. This same information, in conjunction with information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other sources, was used to develop a framework for a climate-related disaster response. The students found the following in regard to community needs: Strengths included access to parks, readiness and response, and general community resilience. Weaknesses included critical infrastructure, public health, and hospital access. Opportunities included using parks as community centers, multi-county cooperation, and local business collaboration. Threats included elderly care, outdated building codes, and food security. In regard to planning for climate-related disasters, counties and communities should engage in policy planning and coordination in line with the principles of the Incident Command System and taking into account relevant federally-identified Emergency Support Functions. In terms of winter-weather specifically, triggers for activation should be identified, preparedness and response responsibilities should be clearly designated and understood, appropriate plans for getting key community systems and functions operational soon after the emergency has passed should be in place, the needs of particularly vulnerable populations should be taken into account and these populations should be involved in planning, and there should be metrics to measure both the current state of the emergency and the quality of the government’s response in dealing with it. Recommendations include: Emergency Preparedness • Install backup power systems for critical medical equipment • Establish pop-up resource centers at fairgrounds and parks • Provide first aid and emergency medical training programs • Recruit volunteers with flood mitigation and construction expertise Climate & Housing • Develop cooling centers and heat action plans for vulnerable populations • Convert vacant units into weatherized, flood-resistant affordable housing • Expand shelter capacity with wraparound support services Economic Mobility • Implement job training and workforce development programs • Offer vocational training to boost educational attainment • Provide family-centered multi-generational support services o “One-stop shops” for services like day care, working and/or single parents, and the elderly • More economic diversity among different skill sets For winter emergencies specifically, adequately staffed and resourced warming centers should be distributed throughout the area, adequate supplies and equipment should be at the ready for getting and keeping roads clear, proactive tree management should be conducted prior to the winter season, and steps should be taken to identify medically-vulnerable individuals and make sure their needs are met in the event of an extended power outage. Priority populations to consider include individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income residents, elderly community members, minority neighborhoods. Regional partners to engage include Catholic Charities, United Way, Thrive West Central, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, local colleges, and health departments.

Publication Date

Fall 12-1-2025

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