Earlier this year, we asked you, our readers, to participate in a reader survey. Thank you to the many readers who responded; your thoughts were insightful and illuminating, and will be extremely valuable as we plan the future of Facing South in the coming months. We heard from readers in 27 states (and one in Canada!). Three-quarters of survey respondents were based in the South, while 14% hailed from the Northeast and 4% from the Midwest and Southwest. You are loyal readers: More than 40% reported being readers of Facing South for five years or more, and 70% said they’ve been reading for three years or more. It’s heartening to see so many readers coming back and following our work over time — and it also encourages us to explore ways to continue reaching new readers to expand our audience. The four issues that survey respondents highlighted as especially important for the South today are democracy and voting rights, racial justice, environmental issues, and labor/workers’ issues. When we asked what you like most about Facing South’s coverage, and what makes the Institute's journalism unique, readers offered a wide range of answers, but there were a few common themes: ► Many of you said you valued our “groundedness” in the South – a rooted viewpoint in the region which challenges stereotypes. Readers said they like that we’re “looking at the South’s issues by Southerners” and that Facing South “brings a seriousness to and an affection for the region that rises above caricature.” Another reader pointed to our “critical proud standpoint — taking on the issues of the South without throwing the South away, like many DC/CA/NY publications often do.” Or as another put it, “Hard-core realities and history, not tourism.” ► Readers also highlighted the depth of Facing South's coverage, including investigative projects and Southern history. Many respondents pointed to our “deep dives” on issues and “in-depth reporting” as unique strengths, coverage that’s “not shallow, like most others.” Several especially valued our attentiveness to the South’s past in understanding the present — “contemporary with a look back,” as one described it. This holistic approach “actually addresses the unique circumstances that form the constraints, conflicts and concerns of the American South,” said another reader. ► In an age where much media is dominated by hot takes, rants, and clickbait, readers told us they appreciate our commitment to informed, fact-driven journalism. Survey respondents said they valued our “real reporting! not just commentary” and “fact-based, clear and concise reports.” “The quality of the reporting/research” is a strength, said one reader; another finds our approach “thoughtful, calm, reasonable, well-researched.” Read more > | 
This year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of homes, displacing residents across the South. In 2008, the Institute for Southern Studies in collaboration with the Brookings Institution looked at international human rights standards for addressing the needs of internally displaced people in the wake of disaster.