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 One year ago today, the most fierce storms to hit this area in more than 50 years tore a devastating path through our community, leaving in their wake physically broken communities and lives.
But one year ago tomorrow, United Way began the task of helping people rebuild their lives.
Soon after the storms hit, United Way staff were out in Ringgold and Apison, finding out what urgent needs residents had so resources could be sent their way. Both the Volunteer and 2-1-1 Call Centers were activated as part of Hamilton Counties Emergency Management Plan.
2-1-1 and the Volunteer Center were prepared so they would know how many calls to expect and the type of referrals they needed to research and have on hand to help the storm victims, including volunteer referrals.
United Way rolled up its sleeves and went to work helping to meet the storm victims immediate needs and preparing for the long-term recovery needs that would exceed the initial two or three weeks after the storm. And we are still working today to help mend lives and communities.
Here are some of the services United Way provided or continues to provide as a result of the April 27 storms:
- To date, United Way (UWGC) spent more than $118,000 on long-term needs and disaster aid for community partners that assisted storm victims in Hamilton and Rhea Counties in Tennessee and Catoosa and Dade Counties in Georgia.
- UWGC helped fund a long-term case manager through Partnership for Families, Children and Adults
- UWGC provided funding for immediate needs included meals, food vouchers, school and baby supplies, gas cards and building/repair supplies.
- UWGC still continues to provide funding for long term needs, including clothing vouchers, home repair needs, building supplies, and rental assistance, as well as the continued need for food and other basic needs as people relocate.
- 2-1-1 distributed approximately $50,000 in materials to Rhea County
- United Way's Volunteer Center/CNP matched more than 1,500 volunteers to opportunities for storm recovery service
- Both 2-1-1 and the Volunteer Center worked with FEMA and the Red Cross to ensure accuracy of referrals and information
- 2-1-1 referred more than 200 households that needed assistance with brush/tree removal
- 2-1-1 made approximately 1,800 referrals for storm-related needs from disaster victims and it continues to work with families that need help as they are waiting on FEMA or homeowners insurance to help.
- 2-1-1 provided access to long-term support services through many local partner agencies.
- 2-1-1 worked closely with Partnership's Long-term case manager, the Salvation Army, Red Cross, the Samaritan Center and other agencies that provided immediate and long term assistance.
- Referrals for long term case management services continue to be coordinated through 2-1-1
- The Chattanooga Furniture Bank, then a joint program of United Way and the Salvation Army, assisted storm victims with furniture as they located new, permanent housing.
- UWGC staff continue to serve in various capacities with other local agencies through Hamilton County's Long-term Care Committee and its Emergency Management Team, which work on the continued needs of these victims and provide services through agencies as people recover.
See our storm related videos here....
Click here to volunteer for current storm recovery....
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