We help communities recover, rebuild and reimagine after disaster
Sept. 19, 2023

004: Navigating Financial Challenges in a Disaster with Kate Bulger

004: Navigating Financial Challenges in a Disaster with Kate Bulger

“Helping people adjust to that new financial reality is really critical in helping them adjust quickly. Because the longer someone goes where they're spending more than they're making every month, the harder it is for them to recover long-term.”...

“Helping people adjust to that new financial reality is really critical in helping them adjust quickly. Because the longer someone goes where they're spending more than they're making every month, the harder it is for them to recover long-term.” —Kate Bulger  

 

Episode Description: 

When disaster strikes, loss of income is often an unpleasant reality. Whether it's due to business shutdowns or property damage in a natural disaster, the reduction in income can cause significant financial strain. Moreover, disasters can lead to unforeseen expenses. Repair costs for properties, medical bills, or short-term accommodation can quickly pile up.

In this episode, Jennifer sits with the Vice President of Business Development at MMI, Kate Bulger. Kate began her personal involvement in disaster recovery in 2011 when she visited Joplin, a city left in ruins by an EF5-rated tornado. Her first-hand experience illuminated the enduring and challenging journey to complete recovery.

In 2012, Kate started contributing to partner programs that concentrate on mitigating housing-related issues, enhancing financial health, and assisting victims of natural disasters in their recovery from financial setbacks. Her commitment to these initiatives has been unyielding.

 

Listen in as Jennifer and Kate explore the importance of trauma-informed recovery, how survivors can protect themselves from fraud and scams, the benefits of applying for SBA, supportive techniques for survivors during initial recovery years, and what helpers can learn about self-care. 

 

 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ



Highlights:

02:15 A Journey Into The Disaster Recovery World

10:34 Trauma-Informed Recovery

15:03 The Danger of Fraud and Scams

19:10 Overcoming the First Impulse

24:36 The Impact of Disaster on Renters

32:48 Applying for SBA

38:18 Long-Term Outcomes

41:53 Helping the Helpers