Multi-Agency Resource Center Planning Resource_V.1.0_2017_06_12 7
INTRODUCTION
Following a disaster, communities 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. One of these mechanisms is a
Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), which can be an efficient way to deliver services to
individuals and families affected by a disaster by bringing together multiple service providers in
a single location and providing on-site assistance.
In the event of a disaster, it is up to each community to determine how best to provide services
to those affected, as well as the appropriate scope and scale of those services. This resource is
intended to support MARC planning and implementation in situations where communities have
identified a MARC model as the appropriate mechanism for delivering services to its
constituents affected by a disaster.
While MARCs are an effective service delivery system in some disasters, coordinated outreach
services and integrated care teams are other collaborative models that can be effective when a
centralized service delivery location may not make sense. Rural communities with widely
dispersed populations or areas where there is not an appropriate MARC facility space would be
better service with other options.
One-stop assistance centers can have a variety of names depending on the convening agency,
type of disaster, and other factors. Names used include:
• Multi-Agency Resource Center
• Disaster Assistance Center
• Joint Assistance Center
• Voluntary Organization Disaster Assistance Center
• Disaster Relief Center
• Disaster Recovery Center
• Local Assistance Center
• Family Assistance Center
For the purpose of this planning document, the term MARC will be used, but the principles may
be applied for any one-stop shop for client information and service delivery.
MARC Principles
While different communities may determine additional principles, most MARCs are designed to:
• Expedite individual, family and community recovery following a disaster;
• Provide efficient, effective assistance to individuals and families affected by a disaster in
a single, “one stop shop” location;
• Minimize the time and travel distance needed for affected individuals and families to
obtain assistance after a disaster;
• Aid reunification of family and friends;
• Maximize the use of collective resources and expedite the ability of organizations to
deliver services by: 1) eliminating the need for participating organizations to set up