Massachusetts Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster Seeks Support for Ongoing Relief Efforts
What: One year after the June 1st tornado tore through parts of western Massachusetts there are still unmet needs as families seek to rebuild their lives. Three Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRG) formed in the hardest hit areas and have been coordinating essential assistance for those impacted. These largely volunteer-led collaborations have been providing for the needs of individuals and families while they continue to recover from the storm.
In coordination with FEMA, Massachusetts Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (MAVOAD) is seeking additional help for these individuals and families. Continuing needs include skilled laborers, committed volunteers, office space and financial donations which can immediately be applied to critical needs. For those interested in providing support please contact Boston Cares at disasterrelief@bostoncares.org or 617.420.2298.
Who: For individual interviews and more detailed statistics in each area please contact:
| Brimfield | Ian Lynch508.932.1312 | Chair for “Pathway to Recovery” |
| Springfield | Portia Allen413.737.2691 | Chair ‘Springfield Community Together’ |
| West Springfield | Gareth Flanary413.297.1286 | Project Manager for “Raising Hope Together” |
When: Beginning Thursday, May 31
Where: West Springfield, Springfield, and Brimfield region
About Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
VOAD is the forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle—preparation, response and recovery—to help disaster survivors and their communities. Massachusetts VOAD (MA VOAD) takes these actions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts while liaising with the VOADs in neighboring states, National VOAD and state and federal emergency agencies. Members of MAVOAD form a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission. www.massvoad.org
