Flood Relief

Background
In response to the September 2011 flooding in our area, United Way established a fund for flood victims in the Wyoming Valley. At the same time, United Way of Wyoming Valley decided to postpone the start of its annual community campaign, so that it could focus its efforts on meeting the immediate critical needs of our community due to the recent natural disaster.

Money Raised
Through local business and individual contributions, United Way raised over $49,000 for the Flood Relief effort.  Every penny of one’s donation was used to help our flooded neighbors in need, with 100% of the funds remaining in the Wyoming Valley.

Fund Distribution
United Way created a grant application process, which allowed any 501(c)3 agency that is aiding Wyoming Valley residents to apply for funding.  12 programs applied, with requests equaling almost $113,000.
Through a volunteer-driven process, consisting of local community volunteers, flood-related needs were prioritized and relief funds were provided to 8 programs at 6 local agencies.  These programs include:

Candy’s Place – Cancer above Water:  To provide relaxation and a temporary, stable environment to cancer patients undergoing treatment who lost their homes and all of their belongings.

Catholic Social Services – Diocesan Disaster Relief: To purchase beds and bedding to replace those specific items that people lost in the flood. Beds will be purchased from other local agencies when possible to reach the greatest amount of people for the least amount.

Commission on Economic Opportunity – Emergency Response Program: To obtain safe, affordable replacement housing for 48 local households when governmental assistance is unavailable or insufficient.

Corpus Christi Parish – Flood Relief Phase II: To assist flood victims in moving to a level of greater self-sufficiency by providing essential kitchen items and small appliances that are essential to basic meal preparation.

Salvation Army – Flood Victim Relief: To provide FEMA approved clients with furniture to replace that which they lost.

Volunteers of America – Caring Alternatives: To replace supplies lost on location that served low-income mothers and babies, including diapers, clothing, furniture, car seats and strollers.

Volunteers of America – Dial-a-Driver: To cover the cost of the van transportation provided to the elderly and those needing wheel chair accessible transportation during the flood evacuation.

Volunteers of America – Manna House: To help cover the costs of those displaced by the flood who were hosted in the VOA building. Costs include hotel rooms, food, laundry, etc.

*American Red Cross received designated donations.