Long Term Recovery Group Still Helping Meet Emergency Needs 

Release Date: February 27, 2003
Release Number: 1446-45

» More Information on Guam Super Typhoon Pongsona

Dededo, Guam -- A coalition formed last year after Typhoon Chata'an to help disaster victims meet emergency needs was on hand in December when Super Typhoon Pongsona struck Guam.

Since then, the strong partnership among Gov Guam, local, federal and voluntary agencies has continued its vital role in providing emergency and post-disaster assistance to people whose lives have been affected by the typhoons.

"No single agency can do everything," said David Fukutomi, federal coordinating officer. "The combined efforts of so many people and agencies make it possible to provide a much greater level of assistance to disaster victims."

Key among these groups are Guam's many volunteer agencies, always among the first on scene to provide assistance. They remain active partners throughout the recovery period, working hand-in-hand with local and federal emergency response teams until their services are no longer needed.

In Guam, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (GUVOAD) plays an important role in sharing information and coordinating assistance from a host of volunteer agencies. Another active agency is the Community Partners in Recovery (CPR), an outgrowth of GUVOAD formed after Typhoon Chata'an.

CPR's mission is to provide recovery, rebuilding, and repair assistance to Guam residents whose property was severely damaged or destroyed by the typhoons. Top priorities include the mitigation of sub-standard housing through education, referral and building assistance, and a strong advocacy program.

Following December's Super Typhoon Pongsona, the group paid special attention to helping the underserved populations on Guam who had suffered significant losses in the typhoon. CPR offered information on how to rebuild and repair homes to make them more typhoon resistant.

Following Typhoon Chata'an, the committee, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and GovGuam's Agency for Human Resource Development (AHRD), conducted an assessment of unmet recovery needs of Guam residents. They then developed a community-wide recovery strategy based on that needs assessment, something that should prove helpful following Super Typhoon Pongsona.

CPR meets weekly. Local members include AHRD, Catholic Social Services, Christian Reformed Guam Mission, Church of the Nazarene, Guam United Methodist Church, Guam Contractors Association, Guam Civil Defense, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA), Habitat for Humanity, legal consultant Robert Hartsock and the Salvation Army.

Last Modified: Monday, 14-Apr-2003 12:15:32