Voluntary Agencies: In The Wildfires Recovery For The Long Haul 

Release Date: July 18, 2002
Release Number: 1421-23

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Denver, CO --Colorado residents who suffered losses as a result of the wildfires but still have serious unmet needs may find help through a host of voluntary groups coordinated by Long-Term Recovery Committees that will be working long after the disaster response has ended.

Individuals who still have uninsured, unmet needs after applying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state are encouraged to contact the following Unmet Needs Committees:

The committees help affected individuals and families develop a recovery plan and access the resources needed, according to Art Storey, FEMA voluntary agencies liaison. The committees are composed of representatives - local when possible - from a myriad of volunteer disaster response agencies. The structure makes it possible to access agencies simultaneously and to receive the benefit of a wide array of solutions to problems.

"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, people often don't realize that these organizations continue to provide help long after the emergency phase has passed," Federal Coordinating Officer Steve Emory said.

Storey said that volunteer agencies responding to the recovery effort for the Colorado wildfires that began April 23 include:

The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Mennonite Disaster Service, Church of the Brethren, Southern Baptist Convention, Catholic Charities, and Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Also responding were the Mayor's Office on Volunteerism, the Agency Neighborhood Commissioners and numerous community-based organizations.

State Coordinating Officer Tommy Grier said, "In the eight weeks since the wildfires began, the voluntary agencies have done a tremendous job in responding to the needs of scores of families, many of whom required not just emergency help but long-term recovery assistance."

Last Modified: Friday, 15-Aug-2003 10:09:41