VIND News

May Rains complete!

2011-03-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

We have completed all of our May Rains repair cases! Thanks to the help of our many volunteers, we have completed repairs on the roofs we undertook to fix. We are out of grant money now, so we will be hibernating until after the next storm.

VIND receives $1500 gift from UCC Shrimp Boil Fundraiser

2009-11-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 15, a check for $1500 was presented by the Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ of Holly Hill to VIND, a portion of proceeds from the Shrimp Boil Fundraiser held on October 24. The annual feast supports their Biloxi mission. After the floods in May 2009 church members were moved to help the survivors of their own Holly Hill community and became interested in the work of VIND. Thank you to Rev. Bill Wealand and congregation members! Other faith-based groups wishing to participate in similar projects, contact our office. 386-255-5510

Shrimp Boil on October 24 4-7 pm. Tickets in the VIND office.

2009-09-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

A local Holly Hill UCC church is sponsoring a fundraiser as a result of the May rains and floods. This caring church who do this annually to raise money for their mission were very moved by the plight of their community this spring. As a result, they are splitting the proceeds with VIND and this year's mission: the Biloxi Back Bay Mission. All you can eat $10 shrimp boil (cajun cooks!)on October 24th. We have tickets at the office. Check our website: www.FloridaVIND.info. or call 386-255-5510. Buy a ticket even if you can't join the party!

Volusia Homeowners Fay 2008/May Rains 2009--Still dealing with damage? No means to recover? www.FloridaVIND.info

2009-09-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

For all Volusia County homeowners who suffered damage in either T.S. Fay 2008 or the May Rains and Floods of 2009, VIND asks that you begin working toward your recovery. Funding sources will soon be made available, and your unmet needs must be documented. Call our office to begin case management. (386-255-5510 or 255-5644) Program services are available to those homesteaded residences damaged by declared disasters for those who are underinsured or uninsured and have no resources to repair damages. Repairs are made with donated/discounted materials and volunteer labor. Qualified applicants will receive services free of charge.

Watch for Daytona Beach News-Journal article this weekend!

2009-09-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Lift up concerns for co-workers Estela and Eileen...

2009-09-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Lift up well-wishes and prayers for VIND staff member Estela whose brother passed away yesterday and whose husband is in surgery now. Also, VIND volunteer and former staff member and a long time Project H.O.P.E. affiliate is dealing with some very critical health problems. Both Estela and Eileen are near and dear to our hearts....so many thoughts are with them.

Thank You Volunteer Florida for Training!

2009-08-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Volunteer Florida and all participants for the extraordinary training on the donations portal. As Dave Tuttle from JAX shared, for LTRO's who are constantly on a tight budget or paying for training out of their own personal pockets, the extension of the night at the Marriot for the VOAD meeting made us feel special and appreciated. The VOAD meeting was excellent. Thank you Marcus and crew!

Happy Birthday Amy! Thanks for all VFF does!

2009-07-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a supportive community. www.floridavind.info

2009-07-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

VIND wishes to thank all of its many networking support members from the State of Florida, the County of Volusia and all of its communities' faith-based and civic organizations and disasters. As VIND continues to grow, the efforts of all involved has been a reward in itself. Volusia County is experiencing its 7th declared disaster in 5 years. Without all the helping hands and understanding hearts, our stricken community would be suffering greatly. Thank you all! Mary-Ann Borstad, Program Coordinator.

Happy Independence Day! www.FloridaVIND.info

2009-07-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Wishing all a safe holiday weekend.

Guidelines for Choosing Contractor after Disaster-On Website July 6-www.Floridavind.info

2009-07-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Upcoming on the Website next week will be a two important posts for May Flood Disaster Survivors: Guidelines for Rebuilding; Mold Remediation.

VIND offers roof tarp/mold mitigation. www.FloridaVIND.info

2009-06-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Black mold is a health hazard common to any disaster in Florida. If you are a survivor of the May Floods, it is vital to tarp leaking roofs and cut out dampened/molding walls and ceilings as quickly as possible. Call case management for free assistance. (386)255-5510 or (386)255-5644 ext. #12. www.FloridaVIND.info

VIND will assist with FEMA appeals www.ForidaVIND.info

2009-06-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

For those who have received FEMA denial letters, the appeals process can be daunting. Call and make an appointment with case management for guidance on how to write your appeal letter. (386)255-5510 or 255-5644 ext. #12.

VIND Facelift

2009-06-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

VIND is receiving a facelift thanks to the generous donation and volunteerism of an Eagle Scout project! New paint, storage and flooring!

Flooding in Volusia County damages homes---residents need assistance---volunteers needed to assist!

2009-05-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

VIND is calling for all Volusia County faith-based groups to organize your efforts. Please contact VIND to see what the needs are. Please contact VIND to share your resources and ideas. I.E. Many groups are already sending in flood buckets and clean-up kits. Great idea, but a need already filled.

VIND will post your location, your program, your resources on our website. Just contact office @ 255-5644 or vindcoordinator@cfl.rr.com.

Thank you for all of your support!

2009-04-17T07:29:00.001-07:00

Florida Vind has FINALLY figured out how to auto-update Facebook and Twitter with blog posts! No more copy/pasting!

2009-04-16T19:37:00.001-07:00

Bid on Donated Golf Clubs, Raise Money for Hurricane Conference!

2009-04-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

VIND is selling Golf clubs to raise money for the Hurricane Conference. To bid, email VINDMarketing@cfl.rr.com or call 386-255-5510.

A full set of BEAUTIFUL Calloway golf clubs has been GENEROUSLY donated to VIND to help raise money to sponsor our staff's attendance at this May's Governor's Hurricane Conference.

VIND's attendance at this conference is important: we need to represent the needs of Volusia County Disaster survivors at the conference, as well as access important information and resources to bring back to our county.

Support VIND! Support rebuild! Support recovery! Bid on the golf clubs!

FL VOAD information conference call! Fellow FL agencies, don't forget to dial in if you haven't already.

2009-04-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

Important information regarding current situations with North Florida flooding and severe storms accross Central Florida will be shared on this call. VIND will be dialing in to represent the needs of Volusia County. If you know of a need you'd like shared, send us an email or call the office. If your organization would like to participate in the call, contact the Florida VOAD at FLVOAD.org.

Scattered Damage Found in Central Florida After Severe Storms

2009-04-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Click here for story on WESH

Click here for story on CFNews13

VIND staff heading to Gov. Hurricane Conference. www/Floridavind.info for upcoming events

2009-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Help VIND represent the needs of Volusia Disaster Survivors, and bring important info and resources back to Volusia County.

VIND is looking to raise $950 to sponsor the attendance of 4 of our key staff members at this year's Hurricane Conference.

Find us on Facebook, Myspace or Twitter to donate to our cause (see http://www.floridavind.info for direction to our social networking pages), click on a "donate now" button on our website, or call our office 386-255-5510.

Tip #8: Clean out garage to make room 4 outdoor furn./plants/stuff that might become hazards during high winds.

2009-04-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Tip #7: Climb up on your roof and tack down loose shingles. A few $$ toward nails now will save many $$ for new roof after storm

2009-04-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Tip #6: Prepare busy activities for the kids that do not require electricity-cards & board games are for all ages!

2009-04-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hurricane season forecast: Colorado State team now predicts 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, 3 major. http://tinyurl.com/c74ned

2009-04-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Tip#5: Buy a weather radio!

2009-04-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Tip#4: Unless in an evacuation area, do NOT evacuate! Road hazards are worse than the storm! If asked, evacuate, but stay local.

2009-04-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Florida LTRO's & non-profits check with Florida Interfaith Networking in Disaster for SSBG funds for T.S. Fay.

2009-04-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Tip#3: If you have city water, you will not need large amounts of bottled h2o. Prior to storm, fill tub in case you need emergency reserve.

2009-04-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Tip#2: Prepare storm evac plans for pets. Health records updated & crate ready. Chk local agric. center for animal care tips & facilities.

2009-03-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Tip #1: Season approaches. Prepare for the worst; hope for the best. Hold out $10 ea. paycheck. ATM's may be down after storm.

2009-03-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

http://twitpic.com/2grzr - A twitterific lunch.

2009-03-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Kara prepping for Ft. Lauderdale Round Table

2009-03-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

-Kara in Gainesville, speaking at Round Table

2009-03-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a lovely weekend....

2009-03-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

Roundtable tomorrow in O'ville. Kara doing presentation. Mary-Ann an attendee.

2009-03-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you Document Technologies for our FANCY new copier!!! Show em some love! http://www.edocutech.com/

2009-03-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

20-something staffers Delia & Kara to bring over-50's into the tweet generation. Wesite looks fab!

2009-03-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Johnny & Ed prep for next set of incoming volunteer recovery workers. The ramp is done for our wheelchair client. Thanks volunteers!

2009-03-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

Mary-Ann will be speaking at UCC in Port Orange about Long Term Recovery.

2009-03-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

More and more T.S. Fay cases are coming up. Laurie and Estella are in case management heaven!

2009-03-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

Ellen is tickled about office supplies and gifts donated thru CBE yesterday! A new laser printer, screen and projector, and a camera!

2009-03-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Fire is the most common natural disaster, followed by floods, though you are 6 times more likely to have your home flooded than burned down

2009-03-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Kara at Compassion Florida Roundtable in Milton

2009-02-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

Aren't grant applications just wonderful?

2009-02-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

Volunteers are in from Pennsylvania and working hard!

2009-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

What are People Saying About VIND?: What our clients say about V.I.N.D. V.I.N.D. was a wonderful blessing to our.. http://tinyurl.com/cnse25

2009-02-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

What are People Saying About VIND?

2009-02-06T10:46:00.001-08:00

What our clients say about V.I.N.D.

V.I.N.D. was a wonderful blessing to our family when we didn’t think there was any help available. They were there for me and my family when we needed it.
Joseph & Mozella Williams
Deland

My home was damaged during the hurricanes of “04” I had the roof repaired but it was never done right. I did not have the money to get it repaired right, then I met the wonderful people at V.I.N.D. I didn’t think there was anyone out there that really cared or would help, V.I.N.D. was there and they helped.
William Pastor
Deltona

V.I.N.D. was like a ray of sunshine in a storm. They are caring, kind, and concerned, they tell you what they can do then they DO IT. They are like a true friend that is there for you when you need them.
Bud & Joyce Pope
Deland

T.S. Fay survivors of Volusia County contact VIND about unmet needs at 386-255-5510.

2009-02-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

Central Floridians: VIND will be on PBS Channel 15 @ 7:30PM tonight!

2009-02-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Great article about VIND supporter, Coronado Church, in Hometown News! http://tinyurl.com/cc6ecc

2009-01-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

will be doing an interview with 90.7FM. Listen live @ http://tinyurl.com/cpu399

2009-01-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

Proud to accept a $100,000 check from the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund to help aid Tropical Storm Fay survivors.

2009-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

FEEL GOOD: Tornado Stories

2008-12-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of VIND,

VIND has essentially closed 60 rebuild cases from the Christmas Day 2006/Ground Hog Day 2007 tornadoes. With only a few loose ends left to tie up, the contract for the Governor’s Disaster Recovery Fund tornado grant ended on November 30, 2008. Along with as many 2004 Hurricane cases having been brought to the rebuild committee and wrapping up the My Safe Florida Home mitigation contract by December 30, 2008; VIND has certainly not been lacking for work. Add to this a little Tropical Storm called Fay…..well, our staff is tired and ready for the upcoming holidays. I would be remiss if I did not pause to share with you the last of my “Feel Good Stories” of the year.

Our last two Christmas Day 2006 Tornado cases were near and dear to our hearts. This devastating storm struck Volusia County mid-afternoon on Christmas Day after the gifts had been opened and the holiday dinner was in the oven. It was not a declared disaster until February 22, when it was attached to the Ground Hog Day disaster. In essence, for many low-income families, the devastation was suffered in total despair for two months.

One was a couple, Sandy and Dave, who became VIND clients after the declaration due to VIND’s canvassing efforts in the neighborhood. Sandy is a nurse, but her husband has many medical problems. It was clear they could not rebuild their home without assistance, but the damage to the structure was not repairable. Every time a storm blew, the roof would lift so that the sky was visible, but there was nothing structurally sound to which the roof could be reattached.

Another client came to us through a church plea for assistance. They had been helping a young woman with some donated time from an occupational therapist. She needed a wheelchair. Not only did we find a church to pay for a new, made-to-order wheelchair; we took on the woman and her family as a rebuild client. As the Christmas Day tornado struck, Lola had thrown herself over her 3-year-old daughter. While she protected her baby, the flying debris broke her back resulting in a spinal chord injury. Everything Lola, husband Roy and daughter Joanna owned was blown away or cleaned up with the storm debris as the next 5 months were spent in hospitals and rehab centers. Not only does every parent know in their hearts they would do the same for their child, every human wonders at the courage and risk of doing so. My own brother is a 20 year paraplegic from an accident with exactly the same type of injury, so my heart went out to this family. However, Lola always spoke with a smile in her voice which stole the hearts of all of our staff, volunteers and affiliates.

We had shared with these two families the ebbing and flowing tears of fear, joy, frustration and even anger for nearly two years. Both families were from mobile home parks and the clients did not qualify for the county SHIP manufactured home replacement which had been available to several other clients. Every attempt was made to find another resource, including the donation of FEMA manufactured homes, but as the closing of our own program drew near, it seemed impossible. During a “brain thundering” session (our brain storms are never quiet) between Laurie, VIND’s Case Management Supervisor, and myself; we discussed new manufactured home replacements. I knew she had already been looking with a list of unanswered calls and rejections. “The answer is we have no room in the budget“, I responded, “but I dare you to find a deal. If you do, I’ll find a way to fund it.” Not only did Laurie take my dare, but what unfolded was a storyline only God could script!

Laurie’s next call was to a manufactured home sales lot answered by a woman who was a Katrina survivor. The name of the company was “Love Homes.”

Despite glitches along the way, both manufactured homes were delivered to the sites before Thanksgiving and ready for their final inspections a few weeks later. VIND scheduled back to back Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies: Friday, December 19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. respectively. Turning the keys over before the two year anniversary of the tragedy was a significant feat!

Upon arrival at the first location, Sandy pulled me aside. “I understand you have another ribbon-cutting today….I’d like to go with you if I may. I kind of know the family.”

Sandy went on to explain that on the day of the tornado, she had been standing barefoot and drenched to the skin in front her damaged home speaking with a police officer and other emergency responders. Her grandson was holding an umbrella over her head. Suddenly a pickup truck flew into the road and stopped, the driver yelling for help. Someone was injured and emergency responders could not get through because of downed power lines. “I’m a nurse. I can go.” So Sandy, still barefoot, was the first on the scene, bending over Lola to keep her calm and still while Sandy’s grandson held the umbrella over them both. Roy was standing in shock holding Joanna in his arms, blood trickling down the baby’s face from her ear. Still in shock herself, Sandy was imprinted by the scene: the mobile home site was empty of anything recognizable from the debris except for two wrapped gifts and a toilet seat.

I was in tears. “Sandy, we have known you for almost two years. Why have you never shared this before?”

“I didn’t want to brag.”

Two hours later, Sandy had a reunion. Roy recognized her, and Lola shed tears of gratitude as Sandy and David were introduced.

Two years, two families, two new homes and one big miracle---I told you God wrote the script!

All of the donations of volunteer time, funds, tools, sharing of ideas and resources and your mission spirited hearts has meant that VIND has been able to continue generating “feel-good stories” with happy endings.

Happy Holidays! (Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, and New Year 2009, too!)
Mary-Ann Luther

FEEL GOOD: Fay Stories

2008-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

As a matter of course, when I present VIND activities to our Board of Directors, to a group with whom we network or to our grantors; I like to share “feel good stories.” It is the exact paycheck people need when doing this type of work! This is a story that came from out of our canvassing efforts by VIND’s Team Fay (our NEG temporary staff) that says it all.

Two little boys answered the knock on the door when our staff was passing out brochures for VIND’s response to T.S. Fay. An Hispanic family with sons (ages 8 and 11) and an elderly disabled grandmother were in a neighborhood impacted by Fay’s flood waters. The grandmother, who spoke no English, was anxious about their neighbors and encouraged her grandsons to find out what they could and bring back the stories to tell her. The boys found two rubber rafts and began to float from house to house. They ended up using the rafts to cart neighborhood pets to safe, dry ground. At each turn, they stopped at their home filled with exciting news to keep Grandma updated. Even after the flood waters receded, they continued their neighborhood vigil. So when Team Fay entered the neighborhood, the boys excitedly accompanied them to pass out the brochures and filled them in on all the stories, including damage assessments! “Mrs. Smith’s door doesn’t work; the people across the street had to throw out all their rugs an’ stuff.” There is no age limit, it appears, young or old, to assist with disaster recovery!!!!

Mary-Ann Luther, Program Coordinator

The Social Impact of Long Term Recovery

2008-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Social Impact of Long Term Recovery

Long Term Recovery Organizations (LTRO) are maligned and misunderstood. The purpose of an LTRO is to wait until the last bit of assistance has been offered and to act as the last resort. In a declared disaster the long term recovery period can be 5-10 years depending on the magnitude of the disaster.

Missions may differ somewhat as to the defined clientele and services offered. For example, Volusia Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster (VIND), the non-profit LTRO for Volusia County, Florida stipulates post-disaster related reconstruction of homes which must be owned and inhabited by a Florida resident. The client must prove unmet needs (uninsured or underinsured). The belief of this organization is that it should stay out of the way of all emergency and early recovery efforts, letting the specialized groups, agencies and organizations do their jobs. Once American Red Cross, Emergency Responders, Emergency Management, FEMA, local government/agencies/organizations, and insurance companies have given their assistance and been appealed to the very last penny; VIND makes itself available for further resources. So what is the misunderstanding? Issues include funding, timing, and social need.

LTRO’s are frequently involved very early in the disaster, regardless of the LTRO’s mission. This is a breach of the essence of long term. It is one thing if an LTRO that repairs storm damaged roofs is assisting with tarping newly damaged roofs, but quite another to be involved in efforts for which they are not trained or equipped. The point of their early involvement, however, is crucial to the organization. Early disaster efforts are financial in nature. If an LTRO does not get its name out to the public while a storm is still in the headlines, funding opportunities for future clients dwindle rapidly. Non-profits often have faith-based and civic organizations that have a clearer understanding of the definition of “long term.” However, even the most dedicated advocates are less able to jog their own memories and those of their donors the more that time lapses from a disaster’s onset.

Volunteer Report, 2nd Quarter 2008

2008-07-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

We had 3 different groups consisting of 41 volunteers and 3 individuals who have assisted V.I.N.D. during the 2nd quarter.
They worked 839.5 hours of Volunteer time during this time at a value of $18.77 per volunteer hour that equate to $15,757.42 worth of volunteer time during this quarter.
Most of these volunteers were young people (high school through graduating college seniors) who had volunteered on other projects locally and nationally. It was truly amazing to watch the experienced young men and women teaching the younger less experienced how to use tools, cut wallboard, hang a ceiling or even use a paint brush.
One home that we worked on had a metal roof that needed to be pressure washed before the sealing agent was applied, these young people climbed right up on that hot metal roof in the June heat and worked 2 solid days to clean and seal the roof on this home.
Another home we worked on for a single older lady who has cancer had already had the roof replaced which stopped the code enforcement fines that were going to be levied against the homeowner, but the home still had to be painted, and that is exactly what one group accomplished in 1 ½ days. The homeowner was amazed and delighted with the color as well as the workmanship.
The spirit of cooperation was amazing and their work ethic was fantastic. As one of the “cook moms” put it she never even heard one complaint from any of them when they went back to their dorm quarters in the evening.
These young people gave of their time, energy, talents and wonderful spirits to help those in need in Volusia County, they were truly a blessing to all who had the privilege to get to meet them while they were here.

FEEL GOOD: Mitigation Stories

2008-06-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

FEEL GOOD: A Typical Case in an Atypical Situation

2008-06-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

A Typical Case In An Atypical Situation

On February 2, 2008, a tornado ripped through Volusia County, Florida. A single, semi-retired woman living in a mobile home was a victim of this storm. Ms. X’s home was condemned. She received assistance from various helping agencies and was moved into a FEMA trailer as a temporary solution to her living situation.

VIND received her case from American Red Cross as one of its first tornado cases to come to the LTRT. Not sure how to assist her, VIND did accept the role of advocating for her recovery. VIND’s Rebuild Coordinator visited the site to establish if anything could be done to repair the existing mobile home. His report back was that it truly was beyond repair and rightfully condemned.

In July 2008, Ms. X was the first to be acknowledged by VIND’s Rebuild Review Committee as a recipient of a FEMA manufactured home through their sales program for non-profits ($500) which included delivery and setup (haul & install). A local church offered to pay for it and to fund four others as well. By the end of July, paperwork had been submitted to FEMA for the manufactured home replacement and funding had been procured through grants and/or donations to do the remaining work involved.

As the six month mark neared, calls began to come into the office from various organizations, agencies and even FEMA itself to ask why we still had a redacted client in a FEMA trailer whose needs were not being met. Phone calls and e-mails followed with explanations about her becoming a FEMA MH recipient.

American Red Cross stopped case management and no paper files were transferred to VIND. The access to the files in CAN was eliminated when ARC was done. Ms. X’s case management needed to be done over again, which was frustrating for all involved.

Then the Volusia County SHIP Manufactured Home program to replace 2004 Hurricane survivors opened up to Tornado survivors. Ms. X was visited with the paperwork to fill out and was encouraged to do so. She was also encouraged, since her lot was on a residential site and not in a park, to fill out the SHIP site or modular home application as well.

As Ms. X went through a hospitalization, she called for support. She was urged to seek counseling through Project H.O.P.E., which she had already made use of, but does so again before their program closes.

Monthly, FEMA’s case manager checks to see why VIND is still not doing anything toward Ms. X’s recovery.

Just before the holidays, FEMA notifies VIND that the MH sales program is being closed down due to the formaldehyde law suit. At an emergency staff meeting, VIND decides to visit Ms. X and urge her to fill out the SHIP applications, which she had chosen not to do. “The SHIP application is so much work and I really don’t need anything that new or expensive (free?), so I decided the FEMA home was what I wanted,” she states. Not wanting to upset her Christmas holidays, VIND does not remove hope, but rather offers continued advocacy on her behalf.

In January, VIND discovers that the SHIP program is about to close. No applications will be received after February 1 and case management must be completed before March 1.

Ms. X is assisted with the SHIP paperwork, and because of an illness, the paperwork is hand delivered by a VIND Recovery Worker at the county office.

Ms. X is turned down. She does not have clear title to her property.

This never came up in either ARC’s or VIND’s case management. Investigation finds the problem easily resolved, but too late for SHIP.

Still monthly, FEMA’s case manager checks to see why VIND is still not doing anything toward Ms. X’s recovery.

Finally, at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in May, VIND’s Program Coordinator meets with a FEMA director and contract negotiations begin. Within a few weeks, a contract is signed for a replacement manufactured home. However, now it is a donation and VIND is responsible for the “haul & install” as well as maintenance case management for a full calendar year afterward.

As permit applications are being put into place, it is discovered Ms. X’s septic tank was damaged in the tornado. In getting bids for a repair, it is also discovered her well is not located on her lot, so she has no access to potable water. The good news? A group of volunteers cleared the last of her debris and FEMA’s case manager agreed to allow her to live in her formaldehyde riddled trailer until VIND can sort out financing all the added expenses to Ms. X’s project!

Is this just a bizarre set of circumstances? No. It has been the norm for all those with mobile home damage. (Luckily, 8 clients were able to be accepted by SHIP.) It is VIND’s policy to advocate for clients until needs are met. VIND’s staff is blessed whenever a client trustingly seeks out assistance and gratefully moves forward to recovery despite whatever circumstances occur. This is, after all, the story of Long Term Recovery!

FEEL GOOD: Hurricane Stories

2008-04-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

FEEL GOOD: Tornado Stories

2008-04-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

FEEL GOOD: Tornado Stories

2008-01-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

As a matter of course, when I present VIND activities to our Board of Directors or to a similar group, I like to share “feel good stories.” It is the exact paycheck people need when doing this type of work! Therefore, as grantors, I would like to share a little about the cases on which we worked during this quarter, all of these examples from 2006/2007 Tornado cases from which you are funding.

Case #1: Early in summer 2007, VIND received a call from a small local church wanting to know if there was anything they could do to help. They had taken a special offering for the tornado disaster. VIND’s office manager explained that one project VIND was putting together was to ask churches to donate the $500 per home needed for the FEMA Manufactured Sales Program. “$500 and we can buy someone a home?” Assured that was indeed the case, the church representative said, “Well, we collected exactly $500, so I guess that is what God wants us to do!” A check was received and earmarked for VIND’s first manufactured home recipient.

A client with whom we have been working on a continual basis was featured in two newspaper articles at the Christmas Day anniversary of the 2006 Tornado. At the time of the disaster, she broke her back by putting herself between her 3-year-old daughter and the flying debris which destroyed her manufactured home. Several churches have been able to offer her assistance, including a donated electric wheelchair built to her specifications and occupational therapy to assist her with life skills tasks from her wheelchair. Always smiling and optimistic, she is in wait for a replacement manufactured home and is that recipient designated so many months ago by a very small and very generous church in Volusia County.

Case #2: As VIND began to close its tornado damaged manufactured home repair cases in September, volunteers seemed to think that the work itself was coming to and end. With a number of manufactured homes being slated for replacement and work not yet identified for site-built homes, the notion of losing a volunteer base was a frightening proposition. The Presbyterian Disaster Association Volunteer Village packed up and left. The Christian Public Service, with whom VIND is share recovery work with LASER of Lake County, were the mainstay of our volunteer base. The CPS house parents (coordinators) indicated that a two week lapse in work would indicate it was time to move on. What we do if they were lost as well? Just at that time, a potential client with a site-built home approached us. His completely destroyed two-story home had been demo’d and a foundation and the first floor masonry walls had passed inspection as he rebuilt. Suddenly, however, he knew he would not have enough funding to complete the project.

This gentleman is a pastor in a community that VIND has had some difficulty making relationships. And this community had needs, not just from tornado damage, but hurricane damage and deferred maintenance.

On my way to meet with him with two Recovery Workers just beginning VIND’s case management processes, I had an inspiration. “Pastor, from my knowledge of construction, I think you are absolutely right. You do not have the funds to finish this project, but you came at just the right time. What we do best is carpentry work. If you can produce funds for materials, we may be able to give you the labor for walls, roof, window and door installation, drywall, molding, even putting up your cabinets if need be. We cannot promise to be on the job every day, since we have other clients with emergency needs, but what we can offer will be free of charge. Labor only. No materials expenses to be incurred by VIND unless Case Management finds that you do not have the resources to accomplish that.”

He looked stunned and amazed. His wife cried. The astonishment turned quickly to suspicion when I added, “I want something in return. VIND donates time. You give me your handshake on donating something to VIND.”

“There are a number of homes in your neighborhood in need of assistance. We counted 14 roofs within a few blocks needing repair. If you use your clout as a pastor and an active member of your community to do some fundraising and outreach, our free labor will continue until the neighborhood’s needs have been met.”

The pastor blinked and said, “I think I can do that.” We not only worked out a great relationship with a client, but also with a community. In so doing, our volunteers agreed to remain as long as needed, surmising that they may need to extend their stay for 12-18 months. In the quarter of October 1-December 30, the volunteers have devoted 358 hours on the pastor’s home.

Case #3: This client was identified by VIND staff members during continued canvassing of the tornado stricken neighborhoods by a blue tarp on the roof. Case management affirmed the client, unemployed, had unmet needs and no resources to complete his recovery. While the job was being done, he pitched in and helped, working along side the volunteers. As a result, he offered to volunteer with other homes in the neighborhood. “I may not have a job, but I have the time.” This client was also VIND’s very first client to complete all the paperwork to get “into the system” for the mitigation of his home. Perhaps, with a new roof and further mitigation, he will never find himself in a damaged home again!

Mary-Ann Luther, Program Coordinator

FEEL GOOD: An LTR Story

2007-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

A disabled gentleman ambled slowly, carefully up a ladder. “I love my roof. It is the most beautiful roof in the world! I want to live on my roof.” Not many moments later, it was followed by: “It sure is hot up here. How do you fella’s stand it?” And then… “I don’t have much to offer you, but I do have one thing.” Slowly, he descended the ladder.

When he returned he held in his hand a plate of toasted English muffins, the last of his stores from his pantry. He sat and enjoyed the food and conversation with the construction workers.

This was a reconstruction of a roof damaged in the 2004 hurricanes in Volusia County, Florida. The homeowner was a disabled individual on a fixed income. The date? Summer 2007. This is an example of what Long Term Recovery organizations do.

How does this happen? An employee of the Volusia Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster (VIND) noticed a house with a blue tarp and asked why. Identified as a 2004 Hurricane victim, the VIND office sent a case manager to discern if the potential client was unable to financially pay for the reconstruction and, if monies received after the disaster were used to assist in the recovery. (This client used a good portion of what little money was received to pay for the installation of the blue tarp on his roof.)

Then, the case was presented to the VIND Rebuild Committee, members of which include the VIND staff, local pastors, representatives from the county government and local agencies and organizations. The case was heard, examined, and the VIND office manager was able to find a fund donated by a faith group from which to pull the rebuild monies. “All in favor?” Unanimous approval was given.

The next phase was for the VIND staff to organize the timeline, pull a permit, have a dumpster and materials delivered, schedule volunteers. An important preface is to understand the source of the materials: a local citizen had ordered too many shingles on a construction job and called American Red Cross to donate them rather than return them to the store. ARC called VIND. VIND used some of the federally funded laborers provided to assist in the recent tornado disaster recovery to load several pick up truck loads of shingles (imagine hoisting 80-90 pounds from the ground to the bed of a truck, then back down to store them, then back up to deliver to a job site, then up to the top of a roof---appreciate the tax dollars put into this sweat equity! Most of the shingles had already been used to replace tornado damaged roofing, so the leftovers were used for this project.) Also, a local citizen, reading a request in his church bulletin, donated many used electric tools from his garage (still with instructions attached!). Other needs for the rebuild efforts were purchased at a discount from local businesses with funds donated to VIND.

Now, a disabled individual can put away the rainwater buckets to which he had become accustomed inside his home. The out-of-state volunteers have replaced moldy ceilings and installed a light fixture in the hole from which it had been removed because it filled with water after every rain. The home and its owner have a feeling of wholeness again.

So, if you have been a part of this picture, if you have supported government and local agencies, faith groups, have volunteered or donated, sold materials at a discount or have simply thought or prayed for victims of disaster, take a moment. Savor a bite of toasted English muffin on a roof in sweltering Florida summer heat. Chase it down with lukewarm tap water. It is the best meal you will ever have.

If you want to be a part of the feast, give. Give your time. Give your excess supplies. Give from your resources. Give an extra dollar from your wallet. Enjoy the feast. You are helping a disaster victim become a survivor.