Volunteers Make A Difference
Release Date: September 26, 2008
Release Number: 1785-055
» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Fay
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The usual images from the first days of a disaster are dramatic and memorable: scores of people with chainsaws cutting tree limbs from houses or roads; or operating boats to snatch frightened people from trees or housetops; or helping feed hundreds of hungry storm survivors inside a huge dining tent.
Many of these people are there because they simply saw a need to help - volunteers. But when the emergency response ends, what happens to the volunteers when the TV cameras leave and the sky is blue?
Floridians who suffered losses as a result of the recent flooding from Tropical Storm Fay, and who still have serious unmet needs long after the cameras leave, should take some comfort in knowing that a band of dedicated volunteers plans to be where needed to help long after the state-federal recovery center doors have closed.
Even in the face of today's shrinking volunteer funds and overwhelming hurricane disasters, volunteer disaster response agencies have formed to fill unmet needs that inevitably occur in any disaster. The groups get together to help affected families develop a plan and access the resources needed for their long-term needs. "We're here for the long haul" is their motto.
"Long term" might best be defined by explaining that non-profit volunteer help is still being provided to some people who survived Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne that all Floridians here in 2004 will recall. Good organization with a central focus is the key to volunteer effectiveness.
A committee structure makes it possible to access agencies simultaneously and to receive the benefit of numerous solutions to problems. Under the umbrella of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) www.nvoad.org, such an effort is underway today in Florida in response to the disaster assistance needs caused by Fay.
How did it all start?
After Hurricane Camille ravaged the Mississippi Gulf Coast 39 years ago, organizations involved in providing resources and services to communities affected by disasters shared their mutual concern over the frequent duplication of services. These organizations, which today make up NVOAD, have met together annually since 1971. Their main goal, which is also the keystone of a long-term recovery effort, is to promote what they call the Four C's - communication, coordination, collaboration and cooperation - for better disaster preparation, response, recovery and mitigation effort.
NVOAD, in an informal agreement with FEMA, shepherds scores of volunteer organizations who provide many disaster relief services, including (but certainly not limited to) emergency distribution services; mass feeding; disaster child care; mass or individual shelter; comfort kits; supplementary medical care; cleaning supplies; emergency communications; emotional care; transportation and guidance in managing unaffiliated volunteers.
While the public is aware of the vital role the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other agencies play in providing emergency assistance during a disaster response, people often don't realize that these less recognized non-profit organizations continue to provide help long after the emergency phase has passed. Volunteer agencies responding to Tropical Storm Fay's flood recovery effort, for example, include:
The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, Knights Hospitallers of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, ACTS World Relief and Lutheran Services Florida.
Volunteer Florida, the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, reminds Floridians that the most efficient way to support disaster survivors is donating to the disaster relief organization of their choice. To find out more about these organizations and how to donate you can visit www.volunteerflorida.org. For more information on Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, go to www.flvoad.org.
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, 26-Sep-2008 13:12:49