Volunteer Group Lends Helping Hand To Hurricane Victims 

Release Date: October 3, 2004
Release Number: 1549-023

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan

MOBILE, Ala. -- Volunteers are stepping up to the plate, but many more are needed to provide disaster assistance in Alabama. Volunteer Mobile, a nonprofit organization working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), connects individuals, groups and businesses with opportunities to serve.

Executive Director Penny Dendy, who is leading the relief effort, says, “We’re getting wonderful response from volunteers from across the country, but there’s plenty more local people can do to help their neighbors.”

Volunteers are needed for debris removal, roof repair, administrative work and various other jobs assisting people in need. Currently, one of the group’s primary efforts involves making temporary roof repairs for residents who are aged, disabled or don’t have the capability to do heavy labor or exertion. Members of the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, United Methodist Committee on Relief and other faith-based organizations are spearheading the effort.

Volunteer Mobile has set up a special hotline, Disaster Help Alabama, for volunteers and victims to call, 1-877-824-9826. Lines are open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Volunteers and victims of Hurricane Ivan can also sign up with Disaster Help Alabama online by going to www.disasterhelp.net/alabama. The database is designed to identify and categorize volunteers by skill set, experience and time available. Dendy says the database is also shared with Florida officials to help disaster victims there.

Donations can also be made through the website. Cash donations are preferred and can be directed by donors to the organization of their choice.

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, 04-Oct-2004 09:07:27