Volunteers Offer Long-Term Recovery Aid 

Release Date: September 27, 2005
Release Number: 1605-039

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama residents who suffered losses from Hurricane Katrina and continue to have serious unmet needs may seek help through a number of volunteer groups coordinated by a Long-Term Recovery Committee that is a vital element in all state and federal recovery assistance.

Mike Bolch, overseeing federal recovery efforts in Alabama for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said the focus of those groups is to help families develop an effective recovery plan and to identify and access needed resources in the process.

"The Red Cross and Salvation Army are vital first responders and have instant recognition from the public," Bolch noted, "but people often do not realize that these volunteer organizations and many others continue to provide aid long after the emergency phase has been completed."

The initiative for community-based recovery committees began on the Gulf Coast 35 years ago following the devastation of Hurricane Camille. Representatives of organizations that today make up what is called the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) have met annually since 1971 to share ideas and review ongoing progress.

The primary goal of the group, which also serves as the hallmark of every long-term recovery effort, is more effective cooperation, coordination, communication and education. The groups have representatives in state/FEMA joint field offices (JFOs) and in many Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).

A list of such volunteer groups working in the current Alabama disaster indicates the scope of the united volunteer effort. Contact telephone numbers are included for individuals seeking more information and/or possible participation.

Additionally, there are a number of volunteer resources, including the governor's office at 1-877-273-5018

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Sep-2005 09:07:57