Hurricane Isaias Highlights Community Association Recovery Needs

Hurricane Isaias has brought renewed attention to the critical role community associations play in the recovery of affected neighborhoods. According to the Foundation for Community Association Research, 78.1 million Americans live in 373,000 community associations nationwide. These associations are responsible for maintaining shared property and infrastructure, making their ability to recover from major disasters essential to both homeowners and the broader U.S. housing market.

Community Associations Institute (CAI) is stepping up to provide recovery resources and advocacy for communities hit by Hurricane Isaias. Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, the chief executive officer of CAI, emphasized the complexity of recovery efforts.

CAI is coordinating with affected communities to identify needs and provide timely information as they assess damage, navigate insurance, coordinate cleanup, and begin repairs. The organization encourages communities to prioritize safety, document damage and expenses, contact insurance providers, coordinate with local officials, keep homeowners informed, and use qualified contractors. More detailed guidance is available through CAI’s Disaster Recovery Resources.

The hurricane also highlights the need for fair access to federal disaster recovery programs for community associations. Although homeowners living in community associations pay the same federal taxes as homeowners outside these communities, their communities can face barriers to federal assistance for needs such as removing debris from privately maintained roads and waterways or repairing critical condominium common elements.

CAI is advocating for the passage of H.R. 834 and S. 352, the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act, which would expand access to federal assistance for debris removal from community association roads and waterways and critical condominium common-element repairs. CAI also supports H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act of 2025, which includes provisions to improve access to federal assistance for disaster-related debris removal.

CAI will continue working with its chapters, members, government officials, and housing stakeholders to help communities recover from Hurricane Isaias and strengthen their ability to prepare for future disasters. For the latest recovery guidance, resources, and information for community associations affected by the storm, visit CAI’s Hurricane Isaias Resource Center.