Oregon Long Term Recovery Committees Provide Continuing Aid to Those in Need
Release Date: January 22, 2008
Release Number: 1733-060
» More Information on Oregon Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
SALEM, Ore. -- When federal and state disaster assistance comes to an end, there will still be many people affected by the early December storms who will continue to be in need of assistance. Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) are being organized in communities devastated by the storms. State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) partners will assist these committees to communicate with each other on a regular basis. There will also be a sharing of knowledge, supplies, materials and funding sources.
A training seminar for individuals and organizations interested in helping families in flood-damaged areas of the state will be held on January 24, 2008. The seminar will be conducted by members of national (VOAD), supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) division. This session will demonstrate how to organize and operate a LTRC on the community level.
An affiliation of faith-based organizations and private sector businesses provides a strong partnership that will continue to help those in need. Donations made by the business community will be collected, cataloged and stored in a central warehouse and distributed to those with specific needs. All the administrative requirements and material handling will be done by volunteers from the faith-based organizations.
Members from the local LTRCs will liaison with the warehouse personnel and make arrangements to have furniture, appliances and building materials prepared for pickup and delivery. The availability of these donated items, provided by private sector businesses and administered by the LTRCs, results in many residents receiving ongoing aid on the road to recovery from the storm's damages.
The seminar will be held at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 10390 SW Canyon Road, Beaverton, OR, 97005. Reservations for the seminar may be made by calling 503-856-3657, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m.
The day-long session, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will cover the following topics: community needs assessment; construction management; case management; sequence of delivery; LTRC formation and standard operating procedures; and resource development and funding..
Among the presenters are representatives from Oregon VOAD, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Church World Service, Lutheran Disaster Services, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Oregon Emergency Management and support from FEMA VAL.
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 terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 25-Jan-2008 08:11:52