Hard Hit Flood Survivors Get Help Over The Long Term 

Release Date: August 30, 2004
Release Number: 1522-0117

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- When the Memorial Day storms struck West Virginia, the storm was the fifth disaster declaration within an 18-month period. The flooding that occurred on July 28 was the sixth.

Many of the families again suffered damages from the rains, floods and landslides. They are examples of the individuals and families Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRCs) seek out. The LTRCs may be able to help with needs not completely covered by insurance or by federal and state disaster assistance programs.

Applications are currently being accepted for families who sustained damage to their homes as a result of the storms that began Memorial Day. Eligible families may qualify for the program if they have an unmet disaster-related need. This assistance is being provided through a program initiated by West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and its member organizations using resources provided by the faith community, businesses and individual donors. The fiscal agent for the committees is the West Virginia Council of Churches.

All approved applicants will be visited by a long term recovery case manager or volunteer case worker who will work with the family in assessing damage, formulating a recovery plan and procuring cost estimates. Regional long term recovery committees, broadly representative of the flooded communities, will review and make decisions on expenditures and use of volunteer resources on a case-by-case basis.

To apply and/or to receive additional information,
please call toll-free: 1-877-330-9105.

To assist financially, contributions may be sent payable to the West Virginia Council of Churches. Please designate checks “for disaster recovery” and mail to:

West Virginia Council of Churches
2207 Washington St. East
Charleston, WV 25311-2218

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Monday, 30-Aug-2004 12:03:51