ABSTRACT
The statements above reflect much of the frustration that exists within the system of United States homeland security. American resources are finite, political will often has a short memory, and affecting substantive change within a national disasterresponse system is difficult. Unable to prepare for all risks, the federal government must hedge its bets against those that pose the greatest threat. Understanding this, other systems or processes must be developed to account for the gaps that currently exist in America’s network of homeland security. Comprehensive community resilience would provide one means to fill this void. Community resilience offers the federal government a systemic approach to magnify the capabilities and resources that exist at all levels of government (sub-local, local, state, national, and even international), with those capacities that exist in the private sector, including those of the business community, non-governmental organizations, private volunteer groups, community groups, families and individuals. Community resilience also provides capabilities that range through the entire spectrum of disaster preparedness and response, allowing for the formation of a holistic approach to homeland security.
