Houston, TX – November 22, 2024 –Focus Humanitarian Assistance USA (FOCUS USA) and The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) formalized a strategic partnership at the ceremonial signing of the Strategic Alliance Memorandum between the parties. The event was held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land, Texas. The collaboration aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience efforts, especially for underserved and vulnerable communities before, during, and after disasters.
SBA associate administrator Francisco Sánchez joined leaders from FOCUS USA, alongside local community leaders, and stakeholders, to highlight the significance of this partnership in fostering safer, more resilient communities.
“I have seen firsthand in my hometown of Houston how FOCUS USA’s deep history of humanitarian work lifts communities up after disasters and how the thousands of entrepreneurs in their network jump start recovery through volunteerism and getting critical lifelines open for business,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Through this partnership, we’re strengthening our nation’s resolve to helping every community, especially those most vulnerable, prepare for and recover from the challenges disasters bring.”
FOCUS USA brings decades of expertise in disaster mitigation and community support, aiding vulnerable populations impacted by natural disasters both globally and across the United States. By collaborating with SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience (ODRR), this partnership will expand resources and tools to strengthen disaster preparedness, recovery, and resilience.
“In today’s complex disaster landscape, no single organization can tackle these challenges alone. Our partnership with the SBA represents the kind of collaboration that communities need. We at FOCUS USA look forward to working with the SBA and other organizations in the coming years to find creative and effective solutions that help businesses to respond, prepare, and mitigate against natural disasters with an emphasis on supporting traditionally underserved and vulnerable communities,” said Amin Kassam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Focus Humanitarian Assistance USA.
The event was held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, a cultural and religious landmark that fosters dialogue and community engagement. Attendees toured the 37,000 square foot facility that has previously hosted hundreds of community focused events such as City Council forums, TEDx events, Consular Corps meetings, and aided in times of need by organizing numerous food drives and blood drives.
The SBA’s ODRR plays an important role in helping small businesses, homeowners, nonprofits, and renters recover from disasters and build resilience against future challenges. Partnerships like this one with FOCUS USA amplify efforts to make sure communities are better prepared for hurricanes, winter storms, tornadoes, and other environmental hazards.
FOCUS USA has a long history of supporting disaster-affected communities, by implementing programs to prepare for, respond to and recover from crisis effectively.
Article and video courtesy of Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience U.S. Small Business Administration – U.S. Small Business Administration.
Images courtesy of Asif Gowani at iComms with the Ismaili National Council.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
About Focus Humanitarian Assistance USA
FOCUS USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private, non-denominational organization that provides disaster risk management programs and emergency humanitarian relief to vulnerable communities and endeavors to build local community capacity and enhance community resilience against emergencies. FOCUS USA’s mission is to save lives, reduce suffering and create resilience in communities against disasters.
