An Exploratory Analysis of the First Long-Term Recovery Group in Delaware

This paper focuses on the experiences, complexities, resiliency, and accomplishments of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Eleventh Street Bridge Community Long-Term Recovery Group (ESBC-LTRG), which is Delaware's first long-term recovery group (LTRG). The ESBC-LTRG was founded in the fall of 2021 in Wilmington, Delaware, following the monumental destruction and flooding caused by Hurricane Ida. Headed by a resident whose home was impacted, the ESBC-LTRG has been incorporated as a non-profit organization since the summer of 2022 to bring over 250 residents who were affected or displaced by the storm back to a safe and secure means of daily living. There is a significant emphasis on preparation and response within emergency management, leaving much to be desired regarding recovery, especially long-term recovery [1, 2]. Therefore, we conducted a community-based research project through qualitative interviews with board members of the ESBC-LTRG. Additionally, the chair of the ESBC-LTRG, who is a coauthor on this paper, has provided a written reflection to highlight her lived experience of the flooding event, and the formation of the LTRG. This paper sheds light on the impacts of designating long-term recovery to community members with a severe lack of resources, funding, and assistance to their success. Despite these challenges, this paper also seeks to share knowledge that has been foundational to the ESBC-LTRG’s success, potentially lessening the burden for future LTRGs to come.