Disaster Recovery Update 07.07.11
UMCOR Disaster Case Management Training
UMCOR will offer Disaster Recovery Case Management Training, in coordination with the North Alabama Conference of the UMC. UMCOR training prepares volunteers and others to assist individuals and families in their adjustment period after a disaster.
Recovery Tools & Training
For those interested, Church World Service is hosting a long-term disaster recovery workshop in five locations on five different days in July. The workshop is designed for anyone dedicated to helping rebuild homes and lives: long-term recovery leadership, faith-based groups, religious leaders, community leaders, social service organizations, disaster case managers and other persons concerned about recovery. There is no cost for the training, the lunch or the materials. Training begins at 8:30 am, includes lunch and has an afternoon breakout session. To register, visit www.cwserp.org. For more information, watch their promotional video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCDbipvRC4w
County EMA Individual Safe Room Program
FEMA is working County Emergency Management Agencies for new construction of Individual Safe Rooms in homes. FEMA will reimburse up to 75 percent of the cost, up to $4,000. Simply contact your County EMA for an application and submit it for approval. If approved, you will be required to build your storm safe room within one year. County EMAs will provide a list of reliable builders that follow the criteria of FEMA. This is a statewide program, and the deadline to apply is July 15.
FEMA Assistance Registration
The deadline to apply for federal assistance of any kind for storm survivors is July 18. Survivors are encouraged to apply not only with FEMA, but also for SBA in order to qualify for money for unmet needs. Applications into FEMA and SBA allows for further assistance with unmet needs committees and further funding down the road that might be needed. Money and help are still available. Encourage friends, relatives and neighbors to apply if they have not already. Registration can be done online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362).
Jefferson County (AL) Housing & Recovery Expo
The Jefferson County Housing & Recovery Expo will be available to any survivors who might need help with insurance questions, contractor/rebuilding, low-interest SBA loans, legal questions or crisis counseling. Experts from federal agencies, banks, state agencies, realty agencies, home builders and insurance companies will be on hand to assist. It will be held Saturday, July 23 from 12:30 - 5:00 pm at South Hampton Elementary School, 565 Sheridan Road, Birmingham.
Disaster Recovery Teams
We are currently taking applications for Disaster Recovery Teams that are seeking to work in the North Alabama Conference. However, we are not always able to give a timeframe for when crews can work. Case management is beginning in some communities, and will be in full swing across the state soon. Once case management happens, we will need plenty of volunteers. We appreciate the willingness of our volunteers, both locally and from out of state! Keep calling and letting us know what you can do! Email Lori Feist at alumcvolunteer@gmail.com for more information!
Stay Connected
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Nancy Cole, Conference Disaster Recovery Coordinator
205-226-7946
ncole@northalabamaumc.org
Emily Nelms, Information Coordinator / Communications Associate
205-226-7980
enelms@northalabamaumc.org
Lori Feist, Volunteer Consultant
205-226-7909
alumcvolunteer@gmail.com