Long-Term Disaster Recovery

VISION: "To recover from disaster and empower disaster-affected citizens in their full recovery."

At the core of the helping process is an appreciation for the survivor's capacity to take responsibility for the recovery work. The premise of empowerment is that those affected by disaster have within their scope the resources necessary to adjust to their "new normal." For many, the most valuable resources are not financial, but rather human resources...

MISSION STATEMENT

"To aid Lee County citizens' recovery plans by using a holistic approach to long-term recovery, maximizing public and private resources to facilitate an efficient and effective system addressing the unmet needs of disaster survivors without duplicating services."

It is 2009, and for many reasons, we are more organized and even more prepared. We learned from T.S. Fay to be ready for anything because no two disasters are alike. You also need to be prepared, and have a plan... why?? because without a plan, you will be left without any resources for your own survival. It is each one of us who is responsible for ourselves, and if we are unable to help ourselves, we will not have the ability to help others.

Program Purpose

Coordinate efforts of FEMA, the State, the community's social service organizations, and faith-based organizations to effectively address the unmet needs of disaster affected families and individuals.

TROPICAL STORM FAY – August 18, 2008

At first glance, we thought… great, we dodged another bullet! Hurricane Fay dwindled into Tropical Storm Fay – not a big deal was the consensus. Some wind gusts up to 50 mph and a lot of rain… we could handle it. But then, it kept raining and raining and raining! The Imperial River reached flood stage and then came the "sheet flow." Once the ground was saturated the water began to seek out the nearest exit to the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, Manna Christian and Saldivar Mobile Home Parks were directly in the pathway and they flooded. The water destroyed over 100 mobile homes and trailers-and displaced many families.

As the water kept rising, "Mandatory Evacuation" became effective at 3:00 p.m. on August 24, 2008 for both mobile home parks and some surrounding areas. The Estero Community Recreation Center was opened by the American Red Cross and the Lee County Board of County Commissioners Parks and Recreation Department as a shelter for the flood victims. At times, as many as 588 men, women, and children lived in the shelter. Some flood victims remained in the shelter for 46 days. It closed on October 10, 2008.

Flooding in Manna Christian Mobile Home Park after Tropical Storm Fay.

The LTRC was immediately activated and began holding regular meetings as well as daily conference calls to develop a plan of action. The Lee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) also kept us well informed with daily Incident Action Plans. Many issues were overcome including a language barrier as most of the flood victims spoke no English, were very low-income, and all of their belongings were completely destroyed. Many of the people were not allowed to return to their mobile homes due to damage caused by the flooding and code enforcement violations.

The Department of Human Services' Client Services Network disaster database was utilized as a case management tool. User training, reporting, and other technical assistance was provided and the Department's Geographic Information Systems Specialist pinpointed the location of the flooding, possible housing sites, and aided in the determination of where to set-up the Disaster Recovery Center.

The Salvation Army, United Way of Lee County, Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Catholic Charities, and The Amigos Center came to the aid of the flood victims. These agencies' Case Managers worked with the people of Manna Christian and Saldivar prior to the flooding on various issues, and had a trusting relationship with them. With the cooperation of these agencies, the LTRC was able to address the needs of the families and track resources and funds distributed.

Case Managers from many agencies worked diligently, along with the LTRC, to address the immediate and long term housing issues of the flood victims including permanent housing for all of the displaced families in the shelter.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation was instrumental in raising funds for the flood victims in Bonita Springs, and both The Salvation Army and The American Red Cross provided furniture vouchers, rental assistance, clothing, and food.

Click here to read the history of how the Long-Term Recovery Committee formed.

Click here for a list of the Long-Term Recovery Committee Executive Members

Click here to view the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Guidelines for 2009

If you are a disaster survivor in need of assistance, please call 239-533-7900 Option #8. Leave a detailed message, and your call will be returned within a 24-hour period.

Please click here to see the Flood Victim Assistance Matrix.

Other Helpful Links

My Safe Florida - Be informed. Be prepared. Be protected.

Brochure for Disaster Recovery - Individual Assistance Disaster Recovery Information

Apply for FEMA - What to do after a loss: the Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals & Families.

Lee County Emergency Operations Center - Guidelines for a disaster readiness plan. Pictures from T.S. Fay in Quarterly Newsletter 2009. Volunteer information for CERT.

home