| FLVOAD Meeting - Feb. 4, 2007 |
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Glenn Kasper called the meeting to order at 2:05. Jody Hill thanked Rev. Clyde Thompson for allowing us the use of the Seventh Day Adventist Church to conduct our meeting. The Reverend was happy to have us there and mentioned that many of his congregation members were impacted by the tornadoes. Bill Wealand provided an opening prayer. Introductions were made. Those present: Chuck Dunlap – Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida David Canther – ACTS/ACS Jimmers Micallef – DCF/Project H.O.P.E Alan Rettig – Catholic Charities Glenn Kasper – Christian Contractors Bill Wealand – UCC at The Villages Rev. Karen Georgie Thompson – United Church of CHirst/ FL Conference Mariano Angins – Church Scientology Charlotte Poss – LASER Debbie McIntyre Kirsch – FIRST Dan Jones – United Methodist Lesli Remaly Netter – Church World Service C.L. Wright – Seventh day Adventist Disaster Response Marilyn McNeely – Seventh day Adventist Disaster Response Paige McRight – Central Florida Presbyterian Jim Stencel – Second Harvest of Central Florida Jenny Ledward – American Red Cross Mary Tata – American Red Cross Ken Skalitsky – FEMA Nancy Bell – UCC at The Villages Suzanne Yack – Florida Hurricane Relief Fund Cindy Noe – FIRST Sue Welfley – FIRST Russell Fox – FIRST Ella Thompson – SDA Southeastern Conference Doyle Thompson – SDA Southeastern Conference Tom Jackson – Nat’l Response Team PDA David Holtz – Scientology Disaster Response Marilyn Juengst – DCF/FIND Maryann Neder – UCC at The Villages Marty Kline – The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints Arne Nelson – Catholic Charities Central Florida Frank Barton – Adventist Response Maxine Barton – Adventist Response Merrilee White – Volunteer Florida Julie Framingham – DCF/Project H.O.P.E. Judith Kovisars – Fannie Mae Dr. Lee Sheldon – Scientology Disaster Response David Butler – Evangelical Episcopal Disaster Services Debbra Coleman – FEMA Danielle Kearney – Lutheran Services Florida Dennis Krohn – USGS Pam Garrison – FL Conference UMC Kary Kingsland – Convoy of Hope Steve Ewing – Compassion Alliance Carlos Garcia-Velez – American Red Cross Harold & Marlyce Mulder – CRWRC-DRS Becky Purdom – CRWRC-DRS Cheryl Ricciardi – Florida Crisis Response Team Jody Hill – FIND (Florida Interfaith Networking in Disaster) Ken Skalitsky – FEMA – was asked to provide an update. Flyers announcing assistance are available and can be copied. Community outreach teams are in the communities today. Individuals can register for FEMA assistance in one of two ways: They can call 1-800-621-FEMA or they can register online at www.FEMA.gov. So far, 1100 applications have been received. Inspections were completed on 2-3-07 at 7pm, and those who opted for electronic transfer of funds, have already received FEMA funds. FEMA will not be bringing in trailers as that is based on the inability of individuals to find alternative housing. That does not appear to be the case in these impacted communities. FEMA’s max grant is $28,200. However FEMA does not duplicate financial assistance. That is, if individuals have insurance, they must use that. They can then revisit with FEMA. The maximum is always inclusive: home repairs, rental assiatcne, funeral expenses, etc. Many individuals will have to complete SBA applications and FEMA is planning a training with ESF 15 organizations to help with application process. One DRC is open today at 1985 Laurel Manor Drive. Three others will open on Monday, and ten have been ordered. Ken asked that everyone complete an agency contact sheet and he will send out information to all who completed one Also, PDA information will be included in his emails. Jody mentioned that we should caution people about spending the money they receive from FEMNA unwisely. Merrilee White then gave her update. She has been at Lake County EOC. A citizen information line ahs been established. A volunteers & donations line is being answered at the EOC and they are simply taking names and numbers at this time. Merrilee thanked the Faith based groups for letting state ESF15 and local EOC’s know what they are doing. Goods are currently being dropped off at 3 POD’s: American Legion, Paisely, and Lake Mack. Many individuals who live in rural areas are not coming out for assistance, so many of the Faith based groups are taking it to them. No definite time for operation of POD’s. Used clothing donations are being taken to the Lake County Fairgrounds but they are trying to discourage this type of donation as Salvation Army and American Red Cross will be giving vouchers for new clothing. VRC will not be opening in Lake County/ Two questions asked: Where can a truckload of food be dropped off? LIONS local chapter wants to pay for prescriptions for people who need them, who to contact? Merrilee responded that both should contact Helena Osborne Poncey at the County EOC. The information number is 352-343-9420 and ask for Helena. It was also suggested to take food to Second Harvest or Salvation Army. Merrilee suggested that groups not organize right now for debris removal. Glenn stated that there are organizations there right now trying to push debris into one area. Item in great demand is diapers. The American Red Cross provided an update. They had a max of 5 shelters opened and all have closed as of noon today. They are still in the EOC and they do have Emergency Relief Vehicles in the communities with water, blankets and snacks. Client Services casework may start today, tomorrow the latest, and will be on an outreach basis. They have completed damage assessments. Suzanne Yack stated that the virtual warehouse will be launched tomorrow. Go to neighbors to the rescue.org Marilyn J. gave a Project H.O.P.E update. They have filed for their immediate services grant for crisis counseling but cannot be in there for a few weeks. In the meantime, they do have some volunteers who can help, and will be utilizing some of their partners to provide services until the grant funding is available. Cheryl Ricciardi stated that individuals are already in need of emotional support and that we must do everything possible to get crisis counseling/emotional first aid to them immediately. Ken Skalitsky commented that many people may be angry and upset because the Christmas day tornadoes were not declared and therefore those impacted did not receive and federal assistance, while these victims will receive assistance. The other issue with providing food, clothing, etc. is that businesses are open and individuals are able to go out and buy what they need. David Canther was going to Pasely and was asked to network with Church of God. That has been a wonderful partnership. They have fed approximately 2600 at that site through lunch today. They are also using box trucks and going into neighborhoods to provide goods only when request is made. Marilyn Beecher stated that Hontoon River in Volusia County was hit very hard. Jerry Smith , Director of Emergency Management, Lake County, came in to thank everyone for the work they are doing for his community. Right now, the focus is matching needs and services, and debris removal. He stated that individuals in the Lake Mack area will not leave their possessions and are sleeping on the ground. He is trying to get tents for them. He further stated it is difficult to get from one side of the county to the other. For long term recovery LASER is in place. Bill Wealand stated they have approximately 100 work crews ready to go and one as far away as Connecticut. Jody stated that VIND is a 501 (c)3 and is asking for assistance in getting the Christmas day tornadoes declared. They will have a meeting on Feb. 22 @ LPGA Blvd, Daytona, at 2:00. She also stated that LASER may be separated into two untis, one for Lake and one for Sumter. One objective of FIND is to have a chapter in every county. Episcopal Church will provide funding toward a coordinator position. Arne Nelson reported that they dropped off 250 RTE meals yesterday, 250 at St. Timothy’s, and 250 each for Lake Mack and Paisely. They do have certified Mental Health counselors who can come in. They are also trying to get donations on a national level. Judith Kovisars stated that the homebuilders association home show is next week and perhaps some will stay to help in the efforts. She also mentioned a “pop-up” home designed after Katrina and is only available at Lowe’s in LA and MS. She would like to see that available in Florida. Each “home” is 560-650 square feet. Scientology Disaster Response has 200 volunteer ministers available and are providing practical assistance. Lesli Remaly Netter stated the CWS is partnering with Catholic Charities and have requested funds for FIND, LASER, and VIND. They are also available for recovery training. FIND will have a Network meeting on 2-27 at the Seventh Day Adventist in Winter Park: 655 Wymore Road, from 10-3. Glenn Kasper reported that CCA is doing chainsaw work, blue tarps, and organizing tonight and tomorrow for debris removal. He also stated there would be a VOAD meeting the first or second week of March. Cheryl added that if anyone is interested in joining FLVOAD to get an application in. CRWRC is asking for needs assessment availability. Danielle Kearney stated they are addressing children’s needs and also have quilts and hygiene kits available. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15. Next conference call is Monday at 2:00. 800-320-4330 pin 049682#. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Ricciardi Secretary, FLVOAD |