(Syracuse, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2013) Salvation Army officers, trained volunteers and staff continue to provide support to the New Jersey survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

Empire State Division Director of Emergency Services Leslie Vattimo of Jamestown, New York, has returned to The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory Headquarters in W. Nyack, New York, to serve as logistics chief as the Army continues to provide disaster relief to those impacted by October’s hurricane. She is assigned there until the end of January.

Retired Salvation Army officers Majors Joe and Ruth Pritchard, also of Jamestown, and volunteers Marie Cole, John Whitcomb and John Chadwick are working at two Salvation Army sites. The Pritchard’s and Marie Cole, are in Hazlet, New Jersey working at a site distributing goods, providing emotional and spiritual care support and referral services to survivors.

John Chadwick and John Whitcomb are in Toms River, New Jersey distributing goods and emotional and spiritual care support to those affected in the shore areas.   Since many areas near Toms River are still not accessible by car, they are using ATV’s in order to reach people. The New Jersey Salvation Army is working on finding a new distribution site to anchor army services in Ortley Beach, which is close to Toms River, said Vattimo.

Cole is from Sidney, New York;  Whitcomb from Spencer, New York and Chadwick from Batavia, New York.

The Pritchard’s, Cole, Whitcomb and Chadwick are serving until January 15.

From January 15 through January 31, Myrtle Whitcomb and Major Patty Kurtz will be in New Jersey.  Both will be assigned to either Hazlet or Toms River.  Whitcomb is from Spencer, New York and Major Kurtz from Batavia, New York.

Vattimo helped to set up the new site with support from the Army’s Eastern Territory headquarters and the Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC), which manage The Salvation Army Family Store sites. “We have a great partnership between ARC and emergency disaster services. Without their help and coordination of staff and trucks, we would not be able to help as many as we do. We are issuing vouchers to survivors for them to obtain clothing, furniture and household goods at the family stores,” she noted.

“With the holiday season over, many survivors are facing the enormity of the storm’s damage  – how do I rebuild my home and replace everything, while mourning things that can’t be replaced or a life that’s gone,” said Ms. Vattimo.

The Salvation Army of New Jersey’s  Emergency Assistance Centers,will provide client intake & assessment; linkage to other agencies and referrals; large-scale distribution of in-kind donated items ranging from clothing to household goods; cash card financial assistance and food boxes.

The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for the continued support of the donating public. By the end of December, the Army has received more than $16 millionto support relief efforts.

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel move into the areas of greatest need.

Donors are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

Greater New York, Staten Island and Long Island

In Greater New York, Staten Island and Long Island, the Army continues to meet material, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families following Hurricane Sandy.  Below is a list of services currently in operation in affected communities.

NYC Restoration Centers & Disaster Assistance Centers (DRC) on Long Island
The Salvation Army continues to participate in FEMA assistance centers that are established
to assist all impacted communities. The Salvation Army is providing clothing/furniture vouchers, financial assistance, travel cards, emotional & spiritual care, and information and referral services. Most FEMA assistance centers are anticipated to close by February 15.

Multi-Agency Shelter Transition Task Force
The FEMA led program involves The Salvation Army and American Red Cross disaster case
workers who will be working in teams to interview the 2,200 families that remain in shelters and
transitional housing (hotels) throughout New York City and Long Island. The teams will ascertain the requirements necessary to relocate these families into longer term housing. In addition to FEMA and American Red Cross funding, The Salvation Army will ‘fill in the gaps’ to ensure that the affected families complete the next step in their recovery plan. The Salvation Army will provide financial assistance to assist with broker fees, security deposits, furniture, household items, and basic living expenses. The program is an interim step before federal case management is established, and it is expected to continue through February 28.

Franklin Shelter Warehouse & Emergency Supply Distribution
The Salvation Army continues to accept, warehouse, and distribute emergency supplies
for Hurricane Sandy survivors. Emergency supplies, new clothing, personal hygiene products,
clean-up supplies, and home furnishings will be distributed as needed throughout 2013.

Salvation Army Corps Community Center Emergency Services
Within the impacted zones, Salvation Army facilities are used to facilitate both families and
individuals who may or may not qualify for federal assistance. Services include: clothing/furniture vouchers, financial assistance, travel cards, emergency supplies, emotional & spiritual care, and information and referral services. Salvation Army facilities located in the impacted communities include Bay Ridge & Bushwick (Brooklyn), Freeport, Hempstead, & Blue Point (Long Island), and Stapleton (Staten Island). Services will be offered throughout 2013.

The Salvation Army/Habitat For Humanity Repair-Rebuild-Refurbish Program
The Salvation Army and Habitat For Humanity International are partnering on Staten Island to assist impacted homeowners with their ability to rebuild, repair, and refurbish their homes. The Salvation Army will facilitate the disaster case management process to identify and assist qualifying beneficiaries. Habitat For Humanity will facilitate the construction process. Both agencies will collaborate to secure home furnishings and major appliances. Similar projects are under consideration for Island Park and Mastic Beach on Long Island. The program will continue throughout 2013.

Federal Long Term Case Management Program
Catholic Charities is the lead agency to facilitate a federal long term case management program.
Once established, The Salvation Army will participate in the program’s Unmet Needs Round-table process where specific cases are presented for assistance. The Salvation Army will attempt to ‘fill in the gaps’ and provide a safety net for families and individuals who remain in need with no other options for assistance. The program will continue throughout 2013.

 

By martha

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