In the aftermath of every major disaster, Americans watch a familiar scene unfold, where communities are devastated, families displaced and survivors struggle to navigate a system that often feels like an obstacle course rather than a lifeline.

As a former FEMA administrator and the CEO of a private disaster recovery service for survivors, we’ve seen firsthand the dedication of emergency managers who work tirelessly to help people rebuild. But we’ve also seen how the system, bound by bureaucratic constraints and outdated processes, too often fails to deliver support in the way that its leaders want to be able to, or that truly empowers survivors.

The core problem isn’t a lack of resources. In fact, the funding for essentials like housing, food and rebuilding already exists. But these resources are spread across a tangled web of federal, state and nonprofit programs that fail to work together efficiently. Survivors are left navigating multiple agencies, redundant paperwork and confusing eligibility requirements — all at a time when they need clarity and simplicity the most.

Now, with President Trump’s recent announcement of a new disaster resilience strategy, we have an opportunity to massively upgrade the system for the 21st century and the coming onslaught of disasters. If we embrace this shift wisely, we can streamline the system to ensure survivors get the help they need without........

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