About
We bring faith communities, nonprofits, and businesses to one table — so that when disaster comes, our response is already organized, already trusted, and already moving.
Our mission
The Alachua County Community Organizations Active in Disaster & Long Term Recovery Group (AC COAD/LTRG) is a non-profit coalition. Our members are faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and private sector partners. We plan together before disaster strikes so that when it does, our response and long-term recovery are coordinated, compassionate, and fair.
AC COAD/LTRG seeks to leverage the efforts of our members — not to harness them.
Every member keeps its own mission, leadership, and faith tradition. We make what you already do reach farther.
The 4 C's
VOADs and COADs across the country share these four commitments. Ours look like ordinary teamwork — because that's exactly what saves time when a storm is on the way.
We work alongside one another, sharing what we have so no neighbor is missed.
We keep open lines between members, government, and survivors — before and after disaster.
We plan together so services don't duplicate or leave gaps when it matters most.
We pool skills, supplies, and people across faiths and sectors to recover stronger.
How disaster response is organized
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is the playbook that lets fire, police, county staff, nonprofits, faith groups, and volunteers work together without stepping on each other. It's how everyone knows their role and speaks the same language during an event. We train and plan against NIMS so our help fits in cleanly.
The Alachua County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) organizes the local response into Emergency Support Functions (ESFs). Volunteer groups and donations are coordinated under ESF-15. AC COAD/LTRG is the planning table where those volunteer organizations come together — in calm times — so we're ready when ESF-15 is activated.
Where we sit
National
The movement of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster across the United States.
State
Statewide coalition coordinating Florida's nonprofit disaster response and recovery.
Local
Our county-level table — and the Long Term Recovery Group for unmet needs after disaster.
Leadership
Volunteer leaders elected by our members.
President
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Vice President
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Secretary
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Treasurer
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A proud member of Florida VOAD and National VOAD.