Extending A Helping Hand
Across Washington, volunteers pitch in to aid disaster recovery
Release Date: January 6, 2007
Release Number: 1671-022
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
Volunteers have proven indispensable in the wake of Washington State's November 2-11 flooding. They have donated hundreds of hours dedicated to sheltering, feeding and clothing victims, as well as helping with other recovery efforts.
In many cases, volunteerism that initially began following Hurricane Katrina turned into a commitment to volunteer locally. That commitment jump-started the response here in Washington in November, as the rains came down.
The following are a few examples of how volunteers leaped at the chance to help, the types of help they gave and some suggestions for where to look for volunteer opportunities.
American Red Cross to the Rescue
The Mt. Rainier Chapter of the American Red Cross has been in high gear since the onset of the rains. More than 182 Red Cross disaster relief volunteers have been working on the disaster relief operation - 15 were "spontaneous volunteers" from throughout Washington State. "I've been on many deployments before, but this is an unprecedented local response," said Andrea Damitio, operations director for the Mount Rainier Chapter Disaster Relief. From a Red Cross standpoint the disaster started November 6 and officially ended on the 22nd. "The majority of those volunteers worked the 17 days straight through, said Damitio, "We are still utilizing volunteers to help tie up loose ends. I'm so proud to work with such giving individuals."
As floodwaters started to rise, Red Cross disaster volunteers opened emergency shelters to provide a safe haven for families displaced from their homes. The Red Cross sheltered 25 individuals in Lewis County and 66 in Pierce County. In addition, the Red Cross fed 177 individuals in Lewis County and 594 in Pierce County. This was a combination of daily meals served in the shelters and food distributed throughout hard hit communities via their Emergency Response Vehicle. The Red Cross is often one of the first agencies arriving on the disaster, and they are always looking for more volunteers. At the American Red Cross Web site, www.redcross.org, potential volunteers can search by their zip code to find the nearest chapter.
A Matter of Faith
Neil Molenaar has his hands full right now. He works for Church World Service, a faith-based organization that assists communities recover from disasters. Currently, Neil is setting up five different long-term recovery organizations to deal with the aftermath of the November flooding. Each county-based organization will manage unmet needs within their geographic area.
On a disaster, Neil's initial job is to serve as a liaison between FEMA, the state and the church-based organizations. "This is a partnership that enables organizations to identify needs and ways to help," states Neil.
This flooding had a bright side for Neil - the volunteer spirit. In the wake of the flooding, local churches spontaneously gathered volunteers and went into communities to help with clean-up. "We Americans are a very altruistic people," says Neil. "When something happens, we want to help and we could see that here in Washington".
Katrina was the start, but it's time to help closer to home.
Neal King wanted to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina, so he formed the Grays Harbor County Disaster Relief Foundation, purchased a semi-truck and took supplies down to Louisiana. Neal took Abraham King, his son, with him on his second trip. When Abraham arrived home, he discovered that the Puget Sound region had been devastated by severe flooding. Taking the lead from his father, Abraham vowed to help.
Abraham renamed their organization the North American Disaster Relief Foundation (NADRF) and started to help both the American Red Cross and FEMA with relief efforts. They started the "Adopt a Family" program which matched families with local churches to provide basic supplies. In addition, these churches had Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gift giveaways for those who lost everything.
Currently, Abraham and his group are assisting residents of the Three Rivers Park in Monroe with registration for FEMA assistance. He has already taken busloads of Spanish speaking individuals, along with a translator, to the Monroe Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register for FEMA aid as well as other services. "It has been a life-changing experience to see all the good come out in people," said Abraham. "I now look for the good in everyone and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help them and many more to come."
Volunteers Make a Difference -Before, During and After a Disaster
Nonprofit workers say that volunteering offers people the satisfaction that comes with helping their fellow citizens. They also point out that volunteering can be contagious: neighbors tell neighbors, and friends get more friends involved. Emergency management officials say that regular volunteerism lays the groundwork for a spirit of cooperation and selfless sacrifice during times of natural disaster.
Indeed, voluntary organizations need volunteers year-round, for a wide array of projects - cleaning up parks, organizing food pantries, fostering literacy, working with disadvantaged children, tutoring students, helping children with disabilities, and lending assistance to the homeless.
During a disaster, close cooperation among federal and state officials and nonprofit organizations is critical to successful disaster relief and recovery efforts. For its part, FEMA uses Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) to identify special needs populations and coordinate with other federal and state assistance programs and voluntary organizations.
Every American who wants to serve their country through volunteering should have the opportunity to do so. USA Freedom Corps helps Americans find opportunities to volunteer in three areas of need: responding in case of crisis at home, rebuilding our communities and extending American compassion throughout the world. The USA Freedom Corps is continually working to expand and enhance its volunteer network to provide volunteer service opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds. More information can be found at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national disaster or emergency incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 08-Jan-2007 09:24:37