The 2011 flood in Minot (North Dakota, USA) and the role of faith-based and nonprofit groups in hazard event response and recovery

The specific impact of community-based and faith-based groups on disaster response and recovery is a relatively recent complement to existing work on the role of these groups in public circles. It is generally recognized that communities in need may rely upon these groups to some extent when confronted with extraordinary events, but additional case studies of the potential extent of this reliance and sharing of learning between communities are necessary. This paper highlights the experience of the city of Minot, North Dakota, which suffered an immense flood in 2011, and the role of community-based and faith-based groups in supporting city׳s successful recovery effort. The question is considered: what were the impacts of nonprofit and faith-based groups on the 2011 Souris (Mouse) River flood response and recovery? The research relies upon primary data from interviews conducted with local public and faith-based group leaders. Nonprofit and faith-based groups had a particularly impressive impact on response and recovery in Minot.