Community Partnerships Provide Continued Assistance for Flooded Families
PENSACOLA, FL, June 20, 2012 – Community partners active in disaster response met Wednesday to assess the ongoing needs of families affected by recent flooding in Northwest Florida. United Way of Escambia County and the American Red Cross hosted the meeting.
Agencies and organizations will coordinate resources to assist those affected by last week’s storms. The Red Cross and these agencies have been providing assistance to these families since the storm and will continue to do so until their emergency needs have been met.
Northwest Florida 211, formerly First Call for Help, has received more than 150 calls requesting help with groceries and furniture replacement. Still others have had their cars damaged in the storm and need temporary transportation to work.
Despite the fact that Manna Food Bank experienced flood damage to their warehouse and food supply, they continue to provide groceries for those who need their assistance. Bay Area Food Bank will also assist in providing food to those affected in last week’s flooding.
Among the agencies participating in the relief effort are Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE), Catholic Charities, Loaves and Fishes, Salvation Army, Council on Aging, and several area churches. All continue to work with the Red Cross to help with food, furniture, housing needs, and counseling.
Participating agencies can coordinate and share information about services provided to storm clients through the Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN). CAN is an on-line database and reporting system to serve communities and agencies in preparing for and responding to disasters.
The Red Cross continues to provide food, shelter, emotional support, and individual assistance to those affected by the flooding. One-on-one meetings with those forced from their homes last week will continue until all identified disaster-caused needs have been addressed.
