FEMA Extends Case Management Program For Irene Survivors

WILLISTON, Vt. – The program that funneled federal funds through a statewide network of community action groups to help struggling Vermonters recover from Tropical Storm Irene will be extended past the two-year anniversary of the storm.

Officials with the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that the deadline for using the last of a $2.8 million Disaster Case Management Program grant will be moved from August 31 to November 30.

“The Disaster Case Management Program has proven itself successful in helping Vermonters who are still experiencing difficulties relating to Irene,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “It only makes sense to continue doing what’s working.”

“Case management is an important part of helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency,” Vermont State Coordinating Officer Ross Nagy said. “It’s an opportunity to focus on all aspects of recovery for these survivors, and continuing the case management process allows the program to maximize the use of available resources at no additional cost.”

Through the program, case managers will assist disaster survivors with developing a goal-oriented plan for their recovery, match survivors’ essential needs to available resources in the area, monitor their progress toward reaching recovery goals and, when necessary, offer survivor advocacy. Services are available to any survivor with disaster-caused unmet needs.

To learn more or access services, call 2-1-1 or contact your local Long Term Recovery Committee. A list of Long Term Recovery Committees is available at http://www.vermontdisasterrecovery.com/

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.