FEMA Helping Hands Workshop In Hancock County 

Release Date: October 20, 2008
Release Number: 1604-683

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BILOXI, Miss. -- Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Helping Hands Workshop from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 22 in Bay St. Louis at the Hancock County Library Annex, 525 Ulman Avenue.

The Hancock County Helping Hands event will mark the 18th workshop conducted by FEMA VAL across the lower six counties, targeting families in FEMA temporary housing. Organizers estimate more than 1,000 applicants have attended the events.

"We're working closely with families in hotels and motels, as well as those in FEMA temporary housing, to help them transition to permanent housing. Whether it's credit counseling, case management, or low-interest loan information, the workshop participants are there to offer various resources from their organizations," said Laura Mason, FEMA VAL and coordinator of the Helping Hands events. 

Teams from VAL, FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will distribute fliers to occupants of commercial and FEMA group parks throughout Hancock County to provide additional workshop details. Fliers will also be delivered to the various Hancock County Long Term Recovery Committees and voluntary agencies.

"This is our 18th workshop and we're very pleased with the positive results we've seen so far," said Mason. "As long as the need is there, we will continue to have them."

For more information about the Helping Hands workshops, please call FEMA VAL at (228) 594-3012.

The following organizations are scheduled to participate:

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: Wednesday, 22-Oct-2008 16:55:25