What’s the difference between MARCs and DRCs?

Following a disaster, communities, organizations, and local/state/federal government need to determine the best way to provide services to affected individuals and families according to the scope and scale of disaster-caused needs as well as the capabilities, structure and geography of the community.

As Extension professionals, it’s important to understand the difference between a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). Our communities may be host sites for one or both, and we may want to be involved to reach those affected by the disaster.

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

In federally-declared disasters, a DRC is a facility where FEMA provides status information and updates to client applications, as well as general information on FEMA disaster assistance. Typically, DRCs are FEMA-only operations. However, USDA may open DRCs in counties that have received disaster declarations.
Occasionally, a DRC may act similarly to a MARC by including other federal, state, local and voluntary agencies within the same or a similar facility to provide information on their disaster assistance programs.

Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)

A MARC is a single, “one stop shop” location where public and private organizations come together to provide assistance to those affected by disaster. MARCs are collaborative operations. Here are some highlights of MARCs:

  • By bringing these agencies together, the MARC is a critical venue for the coordinated recovery of those affected by a disaster.
  • Depending on the event, a MARC (or multiple MARCs) and a DRC may or may not be operating simultaneously, but when they are, coordination is taking place between them.
  • The organization that convenes the MARC is called the “leading agency,” and that organization coordinates overall planning and operations, and ensures necessary MARC functions and tasks are fulfilled. Each community may have a different lead agency, but for organizational clarity a lead agency is identified (if possible, pre-identified). Any organization serving in the MARC lead agency role first ensures that it can fulfill all associated responsibilities, including fiscal and liability responsibilities, either directly or through delegation and coordination with partners. In Nebraska, the American Red Cross has taken on the role of the lead agency in most places.
  • MARCs are great places for Nebraska Extension to be present and interact and share information with those individuals affected by the disaster.

Currently in Nebraska, MARCs are being planned in real time, and there is about 7-10 days lead time (in most cases) for local implementation. Information about MARCs is being shared through Nebraska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), of which Nebraska Extension is a member. Ashley Mueller and Soni Cochran represent Nebraska Extension on Nebraska VOAD. As soon as local MARC information is shared, they reach out to the respective unit leader and RED/ARED to inform them of plans. Typically, there is an organization registration to ensure space is available. From there, local Extension faculty staff, with the support of the RED/ARED, develop a staffing plan and determine useful resources to distribute.

For questions, contact Ashley Mueller (ashley.mueller@unl.edu) or Soni Cochran (scochran@unl.edu).
Information adapted from Multi-Agency Resource Center Planning Resource.