How do communities show resilience after a tragic event?
Communities show resilience after tragic events by combining leadership, planning, and strong social networks. As Sanders, Tompkins, and Huber (2025) note, “Leadership, planning, and funding can save lives—and money—in an era of increasing risk.” Proactive measures such as appointing Chief Resilience Officers, aligning policies with disaster risks, and investing in preparedness allow communities to withstand and recover from disasters more effectively. At the same time, resilience is built through relationships and support systems. Starr (2025) explains, “Resilience is not a single fix. It’s a system of shared care built by people who want to help our communities survive.” In practice, neighbors, faith groups, and local organizations often serve as first responders, offering resources, emotional support, and safe spaces during a crisis.
Resilience also requires inclusion and long-term recovery strategies. The National Center for Disaster Preparedness (n.d.) emphasizes that “much of NCDP research on community resilience focuses on vulnerable populations and how we can develop the resources to support them in a disaster.” Local volunteer groups contribute significantly, as “citizen groups and coordinated efforts of local volunteers can respond to lessen the impacts and ‘build back better’” (Johnston et al., 2022; Ryan et al., 2020). Beyond immediate response, rebuilding provides opportunities for improvement. According to the Institute of Medicine (2015), “The disaster recovery process offers a series of unique and valuable opportunities to improve on the status quo.” These examples show that resilience is both a short-term response and a long-term commitment to building healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities.
Application
When tragedy struck in Grand Blanc, Michigan — with the deaths of four people and the burning of an LDS Church — both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and non-member neighbors showed resilience by coming together in remarkable ways.
Public Unity and Kindness
Community leaders and residents quickly emphasized unity and compassion. The Grand Blanc school superintendent declared, “We are unified in this: This will not define us” (Bridge Michigan, 2025). Vigils, prayers, and acts of kindness across the community became visible reminders of shared strength.
Compassion Toward the Shooter’s Family
Resilience also took the form of extraordinary compassion. Utah church member Dave Butler organized a fundraiser that raised over $275,000 to support the family of the gunman. He explained, “Jesus tells us that we should do this,” highlighting forgiveness as an act of faith (AP News, 2025).
Cross-Community Religious Support
Other congregations also stepped forward. Leaders at The River Church in Genesee County hosted vigils and prayers for the LDS congregation, showing solidarity across denominational lines (WXYZ, 2025).
Heroic and Sacrificial Responses
During the attack, some congregants and professionals shielded children and guided others to safety. The local police chief praised their “very courageous actions” (CBS Detroit, 2025). Medical personnel also provided emergency care, further demonstrating community strength.
Institutional and Victim Support
The FBI’s Victim Services Division partnered with local and state agencies to provide support to victims and families, reinforcing institutional trust and ensuring care beyond the immediate crisis (FBI Detroit, 2025).
Conclusion
Resilience in Grand Blanc was shown not only by surviving tragedy but by responding with compassion, unity, and faith. The community’s ability to rally together — offering forgiveness, support, and shared strength — demonstrated how even in the darkest moments, hope and humanity endure.
References
AP News. (2025, October 2). Fundraiser for family of Michigan church gunman raises more than $275,000. https://apnews.com/article/66189189c72aff983e86bb035f6899f2
Bridge Michigan. (2025, September 30). Grand Blanc pledges kindness, unity after ‘horrible evil’ of church shooting. https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/grand-blanc-pledges-kindness-unity-after-horrible-evil-of-church-shooting/
CBS Detroit. (2025, October). Grand Blanc Township police release new video of deadly Michigan church attack. https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/grand-blanc-township-police-provide-update-deadly-michigan-church-attack/
FBI Detroit. (2025). FBI Detroit update on shooting and fire at Grand Blanc LDS Church. https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/detroit/news/fbi-detroit-update-on-shooting-and-fire-at-grand-blanc-lds-church
Institute of Medicine. (2015). Healthy, resilient, and sustainable communities after disasters: Strategies, opportunities, and planning for recovery. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/18996/postdisaster-RB-FINAL.pdf
Johnston, L., Ryan, M., & others. (2022). A community approach to disaster preparedness and response. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/a-community-approach-to-disaster-preparedness-and-response
National Center for Disaster Preparedness. (n.d.). Recovery & resiliency. Columbia University. https://ncdp.columbia.edu/research/recovery-resiliency/
Sanders, M., Tompkins, F., & Huber, K. (2025, September 19). Disaster resilience: Key ways to help governments and communities thrive. The Pew Charitable Trusts. https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2025/09/19/disaster-resilience-key-ways-to-help-governments-and-communities-thrive
Starr, J. J. (2025, August 28). How to make your community more resilient to climate disasters. Natural Resources Defense Council. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-make-your-community-more-resilient-climate-disasters
WXYZ. (2025). ‘Very courageous actions.’ Police release bodycam video in mass shooting & fire at church. https://www.wxyz.com/news/grand-blanc-tragedy/grand-blanc-twp-police-to-provide-update-on-dead
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