For Immediate Release: September 5, 2025
Media Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
New Tool was Shared by a Coalition Working to Empower Government Agencies and Nonprofits to Better Support Latine Communities Before, During, and After Climate Disasters
RALEIGH, NC – New data is being shared that highlights the challenges Latine communities face in preparing for and recovering from climate disasters. The resource provides maps of where vulnerable populations are in North Carolina, the assets that are available in those areas, and overlays that information with maps of vulnerable parts of the state, such as flood-prone areas.
Findings from a comprehensive review of 47 county emergency preparedness plans show serious gaps in readiness, particularly as it relates to:
- Availability of Spanish-language materials
- Lack of data mapping vulnerable communities
- Little to no representation of farmworkers in emergency planning processes.
Hispanic Federation is partnering with organizations in a new coalition, Unidos por la Tierra y la Comunidad, to empower communities and develop solutions to the challenges they face, especially in working with government agencies, as they prepare for climate-related disasters. The new geospatial database will serve as a tool for the coalition to advocate and work to fill some notable gaps in disaster preparedness.
“In a region where hurricanes are a recurring and destructive reality, Latine and farmworker communities are often among the hardest hit, yet the least equipped with the resources needed to prepare, respond, and recover,” said Lariza Garzón, Director for North Carolina and Midsouth Operations at Hispanic Federation. “The coalition’s work is a direct call to action for local and state agencies to adopt more inclusive, culturally responsive emergency plans, ones that actively engage and reflect the realities of Latine and farmworker residents.”
Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University also presented findings on the inclusivity of emergency plans across Eastern North Carolina.
“We hope our research into best practices for migrant populations and the geospatial database tool will aid emergency management officials in their efforts to improve and create more robust, comprehensive emergency management plans, and keep agricultural workers safe,” said Nathan Dollar, Director of Carolina Demography, UNC Chapel Hill. “Since 1990, the foreign-born population in North Carolina has grown substantially, and foreign-born Latino agricultural workers are critically important to our rural economy.”
“Partnerships between community groups and government are essential,” said Paul Janampa, MDC Partnership Manager. “We can build practical, equitable solutions together. Over the past year, we have hosted four joint community-government meetings focused on key issues: housing, emergency preparedness, the needs of farm workers, and language access. We are encouraged by the conversations so far, and we look forward to deepening collaboration with government agencies to create lasting change.”
Video of the press conference is available on request.
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Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
