Minutes – November 28, 2005 – 1:00 pm

LTRCSI

 

Shane O’Neill, Vice-Chair, Presiding

Stephanie Norrick, United Way, interim secretary

Teresa Julian, ARC, secretary

 

Agenda:

-         Case Management

-         What we are doing

-         What are the unmet needs

-         EMA announcement

-         Store

 

Dave Schmitt and Shane O’Neill, appointed at the previous meeting to nominate our case management team, reported that 5 people had been selected:

             - UMCOR                 Mark Dickens                853-2946

             - Catholic Charities     Donna Carr                    431-1910

             - Independent             Dave Bosard                  483-1854 (cell)

             - ARC                        Joyce Cosby                  471-7200

             - #5                            (tba – has yet to accept)

 

Randy has organized training with UMCOR for case management.  A presentation will be forthcoming.  Goal is that each of the 4-5 case managers will have 1-2 caseworkers each.

 

Dave Schmitt reported that the training will be open for all agencies and members to attend in order to aid the caseworkers, that it would be a re-training for all case managers, and priority will be given to case managers and then to other attendees.

 

Unmet Needs were discussed, particularly how to identify.  Thrivent reported that $10,000 has been donated from Kansas, but legally Thrivent must have local Lutherans involved to distribute and they were in the process of securing volunteers.  St. Luke offered volunteers.  These funds cannot be used for possible funeral expenses.  FEMA also aids with funeral expenses.

 

Catholic Charities has processed about 150 cases over the past 1-½ weeks but their records are confidential.

 

David Schmitt reported that the American Red Cross typically provides only for immediate personal needs – food, clothing, shelter, glasses, medications, dentures (FEMA also meets these needs) – that the major emergency needs only are met by ARC;  no long-term help is provided (i.e., job, long-term shelter, etc.).  ARC does not cover transportation needs, but FEMA does cover car repairs.  All 651 cases will be reviewed for additional unmet needs according to ARC guidelines (as of Thursday, December 1 – this has been done – per Teresa).  It would be desirable if caseworkers from the major relief organizations (ARC, Salvation Army, United Way, and Catholic Charities) could share some of the long-term resources available through this committee with their clients.

 

FEMA’s “Applicant Assistants” located in the Disaster Recovery Centers (now only at Bell Oaks Plaza as Eastbrook and Boonville centers have been closed) can assist with up to $5000 for funeral assistance.  Also, 65 people over 60 years of age will be called by see if any unmet needs still exist and to request a signed waiver so information about those needs can be shared. 

 

Catholic Charities also identifies unmet needs, and while they cannot share the needs with the group, they can refer clients to organizations providing help.

 

It is hoped the 5 case managers can become organized by this week’s end (Friday, 12/2/05).

 

Both English and Spanish forms can be made available by FEMA to facilitate records sharing.

 

A question was posed that if the American Red Cross received additional telethon monies, could needs be met that are outside the scope of their normal guidelines – answer was “maybe.”  Approval from the national level would be needed.

 

The list of agencies providing long-term resources has been updated twice since the past meeting and is available on the website.  Web address was written on the board.  (www.recoverycommittee.com)

 

Some frustration was expressed at how long it is taking to identify unmet needs and get the help to those who need it, but reassurance came from FEMA that it has only been less than one month since the disaster and ways to distribute the help available will come.

 

The Target location is underway – contracts are being signed, and the executive directors of both United Way and the American Red Cross have been in close contact with each other.  The process of running this venture was presented.

 

The needs of a deaf family were presented and discussed.  They are being helped.

 

HCRN reported the 465 acres of fields had been cleared enough for farming.  Only tree-trimming was still needed.

 

David Schmitt reported that this meeting became the long-term sharing it was designed to be.  He then announced that Joyce Cosby had received a note from Adam at the Vanderburgh County EMA that 2 meetings had been scheduled with the Suburban Fire Chiefs Association (representing the volunteer fire departments) to discuss the community response to this disaster.  The meetings would be held on 2 consecutive Thursdays, 12/1 at 6:30-8:00 pm at Bethel UCC (3029 S. Green River Rd) and 12/8 at 10:00-11:30 am at the American Red Cross.  It should be highlights/critique of the response.

 

FEMA provided a handout of assistance levels over the past 5 years, and said the “top row” is the most current and the one that applies to this disaster.

 

Teresa was assigned to schedule meeting space for the next 3 weekly meetings.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Teresa Julian

Secretary, LTRCSI