FEMA's Community Relations Field Specialist Team Holds "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" Workshop 

Release Date: December 14, 2005
Release Number: 1603-223

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BATON ROUGE, La. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Relations Field Specialist (CRFS) team held a "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" workshop on Dec. 10, 2005 at the south campus of Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge , Louisiana . The workshop included speakers from the federal, state and local levels.

The purpose of this workshop was to provide information to the community and to inform them on how important they are in the recovery and rebuilding of lives affected by the hurricanes, as well as, to let the community know that to make a difference it takes a combined effort of neighbor helping neighbor.

Most of the issues and concerns of the 39 people who attended the workshop were addressed with positive solutions. Topics included: reimbursement for faith-based organizations, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan process.

The involvement of the community could not be stressed enough during the workshop. To "make a difference," applicants must be encouraged to register with FEMA, complete their SBA applications, and visit a disaster recovery center, if necessary.

CRFS are the eyes and ears of FEMA. They help to improve the lines of communication. After the hurricanes, CRFS played an active role by contacting public officials, distributing FEMA registration information (1-800-621-FEMA (3362), disaster assistance materials and interviewing individuals in shelters and hotels.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 14-Dec-2005 17:59:46