Long-Term Recovery

Rebuilding for More Resilient Tomorrows.

Disasters don’t end when the skies clear. It’s after the storm when many communities need the most support to build back stronger and more prepared to weather future storms.

We’re Here for the Long Haul.

Beneath the rubble, debris, and dirt lies a more resilient community working hard to recover. Our job is to clear the crap and begin to rebuild. Doing so requires service beyond basic home building. Over the long term, we see to it that crisis-stricken communities come back stronger than ever—without paying a penny for it.

  • Local-First.

    We work with local organizations and town officials to identify vulnerable neighborhoods within the community.

  • Need-Based.

    We seek out those least likely to recover on their own, weighing factors like geotechnology, historic data, and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index when qualifying homeowners for our free Long-Term Recovery program.

  • Resiliency-Focused.

    We use the most resilient building materials and practices, and are the only NGO to have achieved FORTIFIED Gold with a retrofit build.

How to Apply

1. Apply at the link below
Submit your interest in our Long-Term Recovery program at the link below.

2. Initial eligibility screening
A Team Rubicon Client Service Representative will contact you to complete a basic eligibility application via phone or in-person.

3. Client application
Your Client Service Representative will assist you with the completion of the client application and the list of documents required.

4. In-person site visit
A Team Rubicon Construction Project Manager will establish a scope of work for your home.

5. Committee consideration
Your application and scope of work will be presented to the committee for consideration.

6. Notification
Your Client Services Representative will notify you of the committee’s decision and, if approved, the construction start date. 

Apply now

Safer Homes to Welcome Families Back Into. 

To repair or rebuild—this is always a consideration, and we choose the best solution based on the building in front of us. We remain intentionally flexible with our Long-Term Recovery services, so we can meet families where they are and offer what they need. 

Sometimes, we perform exhaustive repairs on roofs and other major structures, and can usher families back into their homes more quickly. Other times, we perform complete rebuilds of devastated homes to ensure a finished structure that can weather storms to come. Each program is developed based on that community and the homeowner’s needs.

When we’re ready to rally the team, we first turn to local contractors, material suppliers, and volunteers before calling in reinforcements from nearby regions. 

128 houses rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Harvey—and we’re still building

500 roofs completed and 3 homes rebuilt in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria

38 homes repaired and 2 new homes built in Collier County, FL, after Hurricane Irma

Rebuilding More than Structures.

We show up for the communities that need our help the most so that common obstacles—lack of insurance, insufficient funding, sparse media attention, or otherwise—don’t stand in the way of rehabilitation. We assess eligibility according to income, vulnerability, housing type, geography, and other factors that can weaken resiliency to ensure we’re lifting up entire communities, not just beams and rafters.

“It would take a million times to say thank you to Team Rubicon for rebuilding my home. Words really can’t explain how I feel. I can’t say enough to express how appreciative I am.”
Barbara, Selma Long-Term Recovery client

Eligibility

  • Required documents can vary by program, but typically include proof of ownership and occupancy, proof of income, FEMA or insurance information, and photos or details about your disaster-related damages. Our team will walk you through exactly what’s needed.

  • We know ownership situations can be complicated, especially with inherited homes or properties without a traditional deed. Depending on your situation, we may be able to accept tax records, succession paperwork, utility bills, wills, affidavits, or other supporting documents. Our team will work with you to figure out what applies.

  • Eligibility is based on your disaster-related damage, household income, ownership and occupancy of your home, and any unmet recovery needs. Completing an application does not guarantee approval, but our team will guide you through the process every step of the way.

  • These documents help us confirm eligibility, understand what assistance you’ve already received, and identify what disaster-related needs are still unmet.

  • Yes, possibly. Receiving FEMA or insurance assistance does not automatically disqualify you. We look at what recovery needs are still unmet after that assistance has been applied.

Process & Timeline

  • Every application is different. Some move quickly, while others take more time depending on documentation, site assessments, scheduling, and the complexity of the damage. Our team will keep you informed along the way.

  • A Scope of Work is the detailed list of repairs we’ve approved for your home. It documents the disaster-related damage found during our site visit and outlines exactly what work will be done — so you, our team, and anyone working on your home are all on the same page. It also guides budgeting, scheduling, materials, and construction.

  • Once your application and documents are complete, a Construction Project Manager will schedule a home visit to assess your damage and develop a Scope of Work. Depending on the damage, more than one visit may be needed to make sure everything is properly documented. From there, the completed Scope of Work goes to our internal review committee for approval. If approved, we move into final planning and scheduling.

  • We prioritize projects based on health and safety concerns, vulnerability, disaster-related damage, and available program funding and capacity.

  • Common delays include missing documents, permitting, contractor scheduling, weather, material availability, or additional damage discovered during construction.

Construction & Repairs

  • Repairs vary by program but may include roofing, drywall, flooring, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mold remediation, accessibility improvements (like ramps or grab bars), and other disaster-related repairs focused on health and safety.

  • It depends on the type and size of the repairs. Some homeowners can stay in their home, while others may need temporary housing during construction for safety reasons. If temporary housing is needed, Team Rubicon will coordinate and cover that cost. Our team will let you know what to expect for your specific project.

  • Additional damage is sometimes discovered once work begins. If that happens, our team will review it and determine whether additional approvals or changes to the Scope of Work are needed.

  • Depending on the program, you may have some options like paint color, flooring, or exterior paint. Selections are based on budget, availability, and program guidelines.

  • Active utilities may be required for inspections or certain construction work. Our team will talk through any utility requirements with you during the planning process.

  • Work may be completed by licensed contractors, vendors, tradespeople, volunteers, or a combination — depending on what your project needs.

Communication & Support

  • All approved repairs are completed at no cost to the homeowner.

  • Our team will provide regular updates throughout the process. Timing may vary depending on where your project stands, but you won’t be left wondering.

  • Yes. If temporary housing, storage, or help moving is needed due to construction or safety concerns, Team Rubicon will coordinate and cover those costs as part of your project, when approved.

  • Staying in touch and submitting documents on time helps keep your project on track. Delays in providing information or responding to outreach can affect eligibility review, planning, scheduling, and your overall timeline. We know recovery is hard. Our team will do their best to work with you, and we ask that you stay engaged with us throughout the process.

A Team with Grit and Compassion to Boot.

The badasses on our Long-Term Recovery operations are tough as nails and kind as hell. Not only are they experts at building homes from dusk to dawn, but they also care compassionately for the clients they help, the community leaders they work with, and the local contractors on-site.

Volunteer With Us Explore Long-Term Recovery Positions

Long-Term Recovery News & Stories

Read More Stories