By By MICHELE GERLACH Publisher
Escambia County's Long Term Recovery Committee still needs more volunteers to assist local residents who still need help recovering from Hurricane Ivan.
Long Term Recovery (LTC) chairman Carolyn White told the Brewton City Council this week that 9,652 families had registered with FEMA for assistance as of Jan. 4.
The committee will help "establish a new normal," White said.
She said the committee began with social service agencies in the county collaborating on unmet needs. Currently, the committee is seeking churches and municipalities to become involved, she said.
The large number of applicants for FEMA help, coupled with low levels of literacy in the county, create a demand for volunteers to assist those seeking assistance, White said.
Most people who registered with FEMA received a letter directing them to apply for an SBA loan, she said.
Volunteers will help document help provided by FEMA and Red Cross and determine if additional help is needed, she said. In cases with ummet needs, the committee will attempt to help those with the greatest needs first, she said.
Hope Place has agreed to provide office space for volunteers in Brewton, she said, and office space is being sought in Flomaton and Atmore, as well. The committee also need phones, computers, office supplies and funds.
Training has been provided for volunteers and additional training sessions are planned. -Those willing to volunteer their time as asked to contact Carolyn Jennings, who is leading the volunteer committee, at 867-6895.