Funds Available to Help Flood Victims
Broome County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (BCCOAD), Catholic Charities of Broome County (CCBC) and the United Way of Broome County are pleased to announce the availability of $50,000 to assist people who were negatively impacted by the recent flooding. These funds will be used to assist with short term needs that will help to accelerate the recovery process for households.
Catholic Charities of Broome County will administer these funds through an assessment process with trained staff. Beginning this Thursday, October 13th, people interested in applying will need to go to one of four flood recovery sites:
The Oakdale Mall – Reynolds Road, Johnson City – near the Burger King entrance
Mon – Fri: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Sat: Noon to 3:00 PM
St Ambrose Gym – 202 Garfield Ave, Endicott
Mon – Fri: Noon to 3:00 PM
Our Lady of Sorrows – 801 Main St, Vestal
Mon – Fri: Noon to 3:00 PM
St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church – Hawley St, Binghamton
Mon – Fri: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
At these sites, people will meet with staff from Catholic Charities of Broome County who will assist them with the application process. It is important to note that everyone must have registered with FEMA before applying for these funds. “We know there is great need in our community” stated Greg Jenkins, co-chair of BCCOAD, “and we feel this money will help some people get started on the road to recovery.” BCCOAD is an association of service organizations that work collaboratively to plan for and respond to disaster related needs in Broome County, and is overseeing the distribution of flood recovery donations.
The money comes from donations made to the United Way of Broome County from the Broadcasters Flood Relief Telethon as well as other generous donations to the United Way flood relief fund from businesses and individuals. “We are pleased to help our community as it responds to the record level flooding from Tropical Storm Lee” said Alan Hertel, Executive Director, “and we want to assure all donors that 100% of their donations will go to help people in Broome County. While this money will help with short term needs, we are continuing to plan for those longer term needs we know will exist for many months and possibly years.”
Lori Accardi, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Broome County explained that “we have an established set of guidelines for use of these funds and have trained staff ready to work with people who have been flooded. We provided a similar service after the 2006 flooding and look forward to helping our neighbors again.”