Long-Term Recovery Committee Set Up In Sharp County
Release Date: April 15, 2008
Release Number: 1744-063
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Some Sharp County residents affected by the Feb. 5 tornado will have unmet needs even after receiving help from government programs or insurance.
For them, assistance may come from a committee of churches, non-profit and voluntary agencies who will work together to find resources to meet these needs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helps bring together the local churches and voluntary agencies to assist applicants with unmet needs.
"We give them the tools to develop a community-based committee and help them identify other resources for long-term recovery," said Mary Richards, Voluntary Agency Liaison for FEMA.
Richards has worked with local residents to form a Long-Term Recovery Committee to aid the citizens of Sharp County.
"The committee in Ash Flat has been created to help on a case-by-case basis with money, volunteer labor and donated goods to repair and rebuild homes," said Tim Eash, chairman of the Sharp County Long-Term Recovery Committee.
Services offered range from financial assistance, clean up, minor and major home repair and spiritual counseling. Persons who still have unmet needs after exhausting all programs with FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the state should contact the Sharp County Long Term Recovery Committee helpline at 1-870-994-7175. They should leave their name and contact information when they call.
The committee is co-chaired by Larry Morris, representing the Ash Flat United Methodist Church. Other members of the committee are American Red Cross, Ash Flat Church of Christ, Catholic Charities, Cherokee Village United Methodist Church, Cherokee Village Lions Club, Highland Lions Club, Department of Human Services, First Baptist Church - Cherokee Village, Mission of Hope, North Sharp County Ministerial Alliance, St. Michael's Catholic Church, Spring River Presbyterian Church and Spring River Adult & Child Services.
Anyone wishing to contribute to this effort may send monetary donations to the Sharp Co. LTRC, P. O. Box 474, Ash Flat, AR 72513. Those wishing to volunteer can contact 1-870-994-7175 to leave their name and contact information. More information about the committee is available on their Web site, www.SharpARRecovery.org.
The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state's homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terrorism.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Apr-2008 18:02:08