Individual Assistance Expertise That Accelerates Disaster Recovery 

When disaster strikes, communities can’t afford delays. State, local, tribal, and territorial emergency managers need experienced partners who can deploy immediately, navigate FEMA’s complex Individual Assistance (IA) program, and deliver measurable results for survivors, from Day 1 through long-term recovery. 

With more than 40 years of leadership in emergency management, IEM brings proven, hands-on expertise in FEMA’s IA program to deliver timely and effective support to disaster survivors. 

IEM’s IA team is composed of former local, state, and federal emergency management leaders who know how to translate federal policy into on-the-ground action, ensuring programs are implemented efficiently and tailored to each state’s unique needs, regulatory environment, and community context. 

Recognizing the Need: Rapid Deployment Before a Major Hurricane 

During the 2022 hurricane season, state emergency managers faced rapidly escalating challenges as a major storm bore down on their communities. IEM mobilized quickly, deploying a team of seasoned IA specialists to the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) several days before landfall to support early planning, interagency coordination, and surge capacity management. 

Under an existing state augmentation contract, IEM provided FEMA-experienced experts ready to guide critical decisions and ensure the state was fully prepared for the anticipated wave of survivor needs well before the storm even made landfall. 

The IEM Approach: Hands-On Partnership at Every Phase 

IEM’s IA team embedded directly alongside state officials to provide expert guidance across all phases of the disaster lifecycle, including: 

• Supporting declaration requests and initial IA program activation; 
• Advising on transitional sheltering, critical needs assistance, debris removal, and direct housing support; and 
• Developing and submitting FEMA policy waiver requests to ensure programs reflected the state’s specific, disaster-related needs. 

As the recovery mission expanded, the state turned to IEM again. We were asked to lead support for the State-Led Disaster Housing Task Force. IEM provided sustained daily operational support, including: 

• Drafting the Task Force’s operating charter and bylaws; 
• Developing meeting agendas and stakeholder presentations; and 
• Facilitating the formation of disaster housing working groups and long-term recovery organizations 

The IEM Impact: Faster Recovery. Stronger Resilience. 

IEM’s involvement enabled outcomes that directly benefited thousands of disaster survivors, including earlier program activation, more responsive survivor services, and a seamless transition into long-term housing and recovery operations. 

Beyond technical support, IEM’s experts served as force multipliers for the state. Our team mentored local staff, transferring institutional knowledge and building the internal capacity needed to manage future disasters with greater confidence and independence. 

The result: a faster, more effective recovery process and communities that emerge stronger than before. 

IEM remains committed to supporting states, localities, tribes, and territories nationwide as they help disaster survivors recover, rebuild, and move forward. 

Why Emergency Managers Choose IEM for Individual Assistance 

• End-to-end expertise – We arrive before the storm and stay long after, supporting response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness for the next disaster 
• FEMA program fluency – Deep knowledge of IA policy, waivers, and compliance requirements 
• Embedded, trusted partners – We integrate directly with your team, bringing expertise without disrupting leadership or ownership 
• Capacity building – We strengthen your staff’s long-term capabilities, not just solve the immediate problem 
• Nationwide experience – Proven results across diverse disasters, states, and community needs 

Rapid deployment. Real expertise. Stronger survivor outcomes.

Talk to our Individual Assistance Expert →

Chris Smith

Director, Recovery

Email

Diana Rothe-Smith

Program Manager, Disaster Housing and Survivor Services

Email

Megan Bond

Program Manager, Individual Assistance and Human Services

Email