Volunteers Play Key Role in Recovery: Help with Unmet Needs

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a disaster’s wake, federal, state and local emergency agencies immediately marshal resources to help survivors.  Volunteer and non-profit organizations also support affected communities in response and recovery efforts.

The state of Florida designates Volunteer Florida as the lead agency coordinating volunteers and non-governmental organizations. Volunteer Florida is a member of Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (FLVOAD), a state association of voluntary and non-profit groups that provides critical help to survivors and their communities in all phases of a disaster. It plays an important role in assisting families with disaster-caused unmet needs and, at times, helps repair or rebuild homes.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency‘s (FEMA) Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) coordinate information and resources with Volunteer Florida and the Florida VOAD to support the 4 Cs – coordination, collaboration, cooperation and communication – to work more effectively.

Volunteers also assist in a community’s long-term recovery. When survivors have exhausted all resources, voluntary groups help uncover and provide further resources, including local services to assist them with their unmet needs.

Voluntary agencies initially attend to survivors’ immediate needs by providing emergency shelters, food and other kinds of aid. After these immediate needs have been met and life-threatening conditions have been addressed, long-term recovery activities begin through local Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs).

As of Dec. 12, there are 23 LTRGs. As locally-based organizations, their mission is to assist hurricane survivors with disaster-caused unmet needs. Voluntary Agency Liaisons are in constant contact with LTGRs to ensure they are up-to-date with federal and state agencies’ programs and non-governmental resources.

Volunteers from the state of Florida and across the country are lending their time and talent to the recovery efforts of Hurricane Irma. Currently, volunteer agencies, faith-based groups, local service clubs and individual volunteers are helping with cleanup and rebuilding from Jacksonville to the Keys.

Together, these volunteers are assisting in resolving unmet needs and clearing the way toward recovery.

One such group, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), has helped in response and recovery activities. It cleaned debris in over 100 homes in Collier, Duval and Flagler counties. Twelve of their counselors, trained in emotional and spiritual care, have been deployed throughout Florida. In early January 2018, IOCC will begin rebuilding homes in St. Johns County.

The following services and programs offer survivor assistance and volunteer opportunities:

Florida 211

For more information on Hurricane Irma and Florida recovery, visit www.FEMA.gov/IrmaFL, @FEMARegion4 Twitter account, or the Florida Division of Emergency Management website.