In the wake of natural disasters, “hope” can seem like an abstract concept or a vague consolation - an empty assertion, thrown in among the “thoughts and prayers.” When it comes to rebuilding, however, hope can actually be tangible and quantifiable. It can be measured in new homes rebuilt, people affected, resources acquired, and policies changed.
Some success stories are proof of that.
So, as many Los Angeles residents continue the long, drawn-out process of returning to and restoring their homes, we’re digging into some of the most notable examples of rebuilding post-tragedy. And we’re highlighting key takeaways for those still working hard to help people who’ve been displaced by the 2025 wildfires.
Whether they faced earthquakes or tsunamis, communities across the world have worked together to restore hope and make a measured impact on people’s lives. They’ve battled through political obstacles, physical roadblocks, and mental and emotional burnout—and emerged with new and improved processes that set the bar for future efforts.
Here’s a closer look at how these communities rebuilt from the ground up, and found the strength—and hope—to recover after disaster.
1. Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004
On December 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered a tsunami, devastating countries across South and Southeast Asia. Indonesia was hit hardest, particularly in its province of Aceh and island of Nias.
The damage
The tsunami killed over 220,000 people, making it the deadliest in recorded history. More than 130,000 houses, 3,400 schools, and 500 health facilities were destroyed. Many people also lost their livelihoods as the tsunami wiped out infrastructure that was vital to agriculture and fishing industries.
The response
The tsunami drew an expansive response from government organizations, financial institutions, and nonprofits. These are a few standout examples:
- The Indonesian government created the “first-of-its-kind” Badan Rehabilitasi dan Rekonstruksi (BRR) or Agency for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Aceh and Nias. The agency raised funds from donors and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), and spearheaded rebuilding projects. They were guided by the philosophy of “Build Back Better,” choosing projects that would reduce the risk of future disasters and create more resilient infrastructure.
- The World Bank worked with local communities to replant mangroves, which help protect coastlines from storms and support wildlife. Villages with mangroves suffered less damage in the tsunami than those without this ecological protection.
- Habitat for Humanity assisted families in the hardest-hit countries, collaborating with survivors to rebuild their homes and provide disaster response training.
The results
By 2009, BRR raised $6.7 billion in recovery funds and managed roughly 12,000 reconstruction projects across Indonesia, leading to major improvements in housing and infrastructure. Indonesia also passed a 2007 law establishing a National Disaster Management Agency to provide leadership in future emergencies and create clear government response plans.
Meanwhile Habitat for Humanity helped more than 22,500 families rebuild their homes. They also provided 27,000 families with disaster mitigation training and preparedness programs. Ten years after the tsunami, families were still grateful for the nonprofit’s life-changing help.
“Habitat instilled hope when our family was stranded — homeless and ‘hope-less,’” said Govindasamy Sundaramurthy of India in 2014. “They gave us the courage to face the future. Today, I am really proud to say that I own a concrete house and I have educated, healthy children and grandchildren.”
The takeaway
Indonesian political officials took charge, demonstrating how governments can lead disaster response strategies and create lasting policy changes for future emergencies. Habitat for Humanity’s response also highlighted the benefits of working with people to create their new homes; ultimately, they built structures that went on to house families for generations.
2. Hurricane Harvey of 2017
Hurricane Harvey struck Texas in August 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane, causing catastrophic and widespread flooding.
The damage
Hurricane Harvey took 89 lives, displaced more than 30,000 people, and damaged or destroyed over 200,000 homes. It was the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history after Hurricane Katrina, causing over $158 billion in damage.
The restoration
The disaster drew a massive response from government agencies and nonprofits, including:
- SBP, a national disaster recovery nonprofit, helped hundreds of low-income families, veterans, and uninsured residents through their Owner-Occupied Rebuild Program. SBP also partnered with Toyota to cut the rebuilding timeline for each home from 112 days to 60 days.
- Project Comeback: TEXAS was a FEMA-funded program led by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) that worked directly with survivors and nonprofits to build individualized recovery plans.
- The Harvey Recovery Multifamily Development Program, launched by the City of Houston, provided affordable, high-quality rental housing for low-income families, seniors, and housing insecure residents. The program also acquired land for future multifamily developments.
The results
Project Comeback was lauded as a successful disaster case management program, serving over 13,500 households and delivering $178 million in goods and services. Meanwhile, by 2022, the Multifamily Development Program had received three rounds of funding and created or rehabilitated 4,600 apartments, with at least 80% reserved for low- and moderate-income residents.
The takeaway
Aid organizations and government bodies must be ready to respond to wide-reaching, long-term devastation with wide-reaching, long-term responses. Beyond just delivering emergency aid, they may need to be on the ground for years to come, ensuring their programs and resources are sustainable.
Even in 2023, six years after the hurricane, SBP wrote: “[We] will be alongside Houstonians until our assistance is no longer needed: in other words, for the long haul. [Our] commitment to all disaster survivors ripples past the walls of newly rebuilt homes and into the communities they serve, restoring hope and rebuilding social and family networks — all vital to community well-being.”
3. Nepal earthquake of 2015
On April 25, 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, impacting over 8 million people.
The damage
Nearly 9,000 people died and more than 600,000 houses were damaged or destroyed. Critical infrastructure, including schools, health posts, and heritage sites like the Nine-Storeyed Basantapur Palace, suffered extensive damage.
The restoration
International aid poured in, and local volunteers worked alongside nonprofits to provide relief. There was also a strong and robust response from the Nepal government. Most notably:
- UN Volunteers conducted a structural assessment of over 4,000 buildings and safely demolished and managed the debris of more than 4,600 structures.
- The China Academy of Cultural Heritage (CACH) took the initiative to restore the 17th century Basantapur Palace, preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage and using earthquake-resistant construction for longevity.
- The Nepal government provided cash grants to affected households to aid rebuilding.
The results
The UN Volunteers provided training on earthquake-resistant construction techniques and National Building Codes to nearly 11,000 community members and local engineers. According to the organization’s report, “The role of the UN Volunteers in regenerating hope in the wake of a tremendous calamity was well appreciated by the community.”
Meanwhile, the CACH managed to salvage 85% of the Basantapur Palace’s original components, reinforcing its wooden joints with flexible metal ropes and hiring skilled Nepali woodcarvers to help. In November 2024, the Palace passed its final technical review.
The government’s housing reconstruction grant plan was also successful. About 75% of people rebuilt their homes within five years after the earthquake.
The takeaway
Nepal’s recovery highlighted the importance of international collaboration, government response, and on-the-ground community engagement. The focus on earthquake-resistant construction also set new standards for safety in Nepal’s rural areas.
Hope for families impacted by wildfires
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, many families affected by the January LA wildfires still struggle to meet their basic needs and find—or reconstruct—a place that they can once again call home. We can learn from these past disasters that hope is not lost. As Anish Saraiya, Director of Altadena Recovery, noted, community and grassroots organizations have really stepped up to help families recover. Nonprofits like Lotus Rising LA are part of a broader support network to help Angelenos rebuild and stay in the neighborhoods they call home. As we’ve seen from these success stories, it’s only by working together - governments, international aid, and local volunteers and nonprofits, will communities rebuild more quickly and successfully after a disaster.
Disclaimer: The content shared in our blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
