When presenting the scope and context of the teams we support, it is important to address a common concern: How can one organization possibly assist with all the different types of disasters? The answer lies in understanding the nature of the work we do, and what we do—and don’t do—during a crisis.

We are not a frontline organization that directly responds to disasters on the ground. Our role is not to engage in firefighting, medical interventions, or provide immediate relief in the form of food, shelter, or other on-the-ground resources. Instead, we focus on the common challenges that teams and organizations face when they are trying to coordinate efforts during a crisis. These challenges exist across all types of crises, whether it’s a wildfire, a tornado, a famine, a poverty campaign, or any other disaster or emergency. 

The Common Challenges in Crisis Coordination

Regardless of the type of disaster, the basic challenges teams face are remarkably similar:

People cannot find each other easily.

• Communication is often ineffective—teams struggle to share information, resources, and expertise.
• Trust is limited, because teams often don’t know who can do what, where, or how to connect with others.
• Collaboration and coordination are difficult, especially when teams are working in silos or under extreme pressure.

These barriers often slow down response efforts, create inefficiencies, and hinder the overall effectiveness of disaster relief.