HOPE AACR News

HOPE AACR is excited to be invited back to the 2026 Natural Disasters Expo which brings together six co-located events into one comprehensive platform focused on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. Taking place on the 14th & 15th October at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, the event offers a central hub for industry collaboration and innovation. Across the show floor and conference program, attendees can explore cutting-edge solutions, hear from industry leaders, and connect with professionals shaping the future of resilience. From disaster-proof architecture and structural engineering to first responder operations and emergency communications, the event showcases the tools, technologies, and strategies that enable effective action in high-pressure environments.

Dedicated zones highlight critical areas, including resilient building design, emergency response, disaster vehicles, chemical risk management, and power continuity. Ensuring infrastructure, services, and communities remain operational during crises. Exhibitors present the latest innovations, while keynote sessions, seminars, and roundtables offer insights into risk analysis, continuity planning, and safety. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, the event provides valuable networking opportunities to build partnerships and share knowledge. Ultimately, the Natural Disasters Expo is designed to drive progress, strengthen resilience, and help create a safer, more disaster-ready future.

Animal-assisted crisis response teams bring comfort during life’s toughest moments.

It's Elizabeth Peterson's last week of Upper Michigan Today. She and Tia Trudgeon recap her major adventure stories, learn about the HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Team and how you can join

It’s been about a month and a half since wildfires began ragging in California. Claiming lives, homes and businesses. Numerous organizations from our state, including the North Carolina Air National Guard, were launched to aid efforts, as well as Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Teams.

Four teams from the Northeast Region of the HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response organization were recently called to Southern California to provide crisis support to victims of the wildfires.

HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) Training Weekend will occur June 21 through 23 in Williamsburg and James City County.

Penn Hills students were introduced to emotional support dogs from HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response recently to help them cope with the death of a beloved teacher.

Recently I saw how dogs could unite almost everyone at our State Capitol – a place where unity might seem challenging.

The Institute of Public Safety at Santa Fe College is hosting crisis response dog training. Training is presented by HOPE-Animal Assisted Crisis Response, an organization that has provided its services nationwide for free since 2001.

Kathy Graham and Bella, her nearly 4-year-old standard poodle and personal medical dog, have brought comfort and joy to scores of residents and patients at area facilities, including Hospice of Marion County, as a therapy dog team. Now, Graham and Bella are taking their soothing ways to another level.

Amidst the chaos, a beacon of hope and solace comes in a form not many would expect. Dogs. These extraordinary animals, alongside their handlers, play a pivotal role in healing and offering emotional support to those affected.