Mission Statement

"Create a strong, resilient community that can withstand & recover from any disaster through advanced planning that can facilitate the community's recovery."

Hugo Tornado DamageWhat happens when disaster strikes?

As we go through our day-to-day lives, disaster isn't something we normally think of. But when an unexpected natural or man-made disaster occurs, communities are left to rebuild from the ground up. In fact, statistics show when communities are ill-prepared and unable to rebuild, residents move on.

Resiliency is the focus of disaster recovery, combined with a goal of complete regrowth for a stable and promising future.

Cambridge is a strong and thriving community and with the help of many, we've built a Long-Term Recovery Committee, supported by the Cambridge Area Community Foundation, The Initiative Foundation and the many volunteers and financial donors who reinforce the mission.

Cambridge Hope and Recovery Team

#HART Cambridge Logo#HART-Cambridge is a long-term recovery committee whose purpose is to work with community partners to plan, manage and meet a wide variety of needs for services and financial resources after a community disaster.

The committee consists of volunteer members from around the area. These volunteers are developing the long-term recovery plan which will help guide the Cambridge Area Community Foundation, who are the decision makers for the Disaster Relief Fund.

You may be wondering what that entails? The magnitude of resources needed to recover post disaster is extensive. There are the immediate concerns, such as:

  • Tornado in a fieldTemporary Shelter
  • Temporary Laundry
  • Temporary Kitchens
  • Daycare
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Debris Clean Up
  • Case Management
  • Coordination/Management of Volunteers & Donations

Followed by the need for:

  • Construction & Restoration
  • Crisis Counseling
  • Business Rehabilitation

Through long-range planning we are working towards ensuring we have resources and volunteers to cover all these areas, as well, be able to aid the community. Imagine what would happen if your home was destroyed and you could not afford the insurance deductible? These are the types of things the committee is preparing for.

What is a Disaster Relief Fund?

  • A fund to support rebuilding our community in the event of a natural or man-made disaster & to serve as a Disaster Recovery Fund.
  • A fund that is strictly used towards disaster relief.
  • To protect residents/donors from charitable scams in the event of a disaster.
  • An endowment fund created to develop community resources & to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families in Cambridge.

The Disaster Relief Fund will assist the community in more ways than one should disaster occur. Through donations and long-term planning we are working to prepare the community & future generations. Donations will be permanently invested to generate dollars to make available for the community.

How to Donate

Making a tax-deductible donation is a long-lasting contribution that makes a difference. Donate online or at Cambridge City Hall.

Online Donation »

Checks can be written out to:
INITIATIVE FOUNDATION (Memo: Cambridge Disaster Relief Donation)

Drop off/Mail to:
City of Cambridge
300 3rd Ave NE
Cambridge, MN 55008