Historical baseline case study of unmet shelter and housing disaster needs throughout Texas: the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Texas, 2005

ABSTRACT Researchers have extensively studied disaster sheltering and housing; however, little research has empirically examined longitudinal patterns of how shelter and housing needs change during and after disasters. This study investigated types and timing of unmet shelter and housing needs during sequential hurricane disasters in Texas using Texas 2-1-1 Network’s real-time data of callers’ unmet needs throughout Texas’ 254 counties, including disaster areas as well as evacuation routes and destinations. Texas 2-1-1 has been used by disaster managers and communities state-wide for information and referral for non-emergency needs. The 5-month study period includes a baseline before Hurricane Katrina, evacuation and impact during each disaster, and short-term recovery afterward. Before and following these hurricanes, the most common types of unmet housing needs stemmed from financial issues related to rental housing. During disaster emergency phases, shelter-related needs were most common. Unmet needs related to homeowners were least frequent throughout the disaster phases. Unmet shelter needs had patterns differing by disaster phase compared to more subtle differences over time in renter and homeowner needs. This unique study provides practical information about vulnerable populations’ access barriers relating to housing needs and supports the theoretical model of disaster-related sheltering and housing using real-time data.