The purpose of the Sumner County Long Term Recovery committee is to coordinate the delivery of long term recovery assistance to the victims of a major disaster. This involves multiple agencies, including governmental entities, not-for-profit agencies, community, civic and service groups, religious, and educational organizations, etc.
Press Release: Sumner County Long Term Recovery (Committee)
March 26, 2008
(Gallatin, Tn) Homes were destroyed and lives lost during the night of the February 5th tornadoes here in Middle Tennessee. Once again, our community joined together in response to another devastating episode of tornadoes. Thousands of volunteers responded by laboring to clean up the damage to homes and businesses. Short-term emergency needs for food, clothing and shelter have been provided by a multitude of nonprofit organizations, churches and public agencies.
Although immediate relief efforts are coming to a close, recovery in the area will continue for years to come. Sumner County Long Term Recovery (SCLTR) recently formed to provide a clearinghouse of resources for those affected by the tornadoes. The organization is hoping to reach those in Sumner County, and any neighboring counties, that need additional assistance with needs not met through other avenues. This includes assistance from organizations that reacted to the immediate relief efforts, such as FEMA and private insurance.
FEMA has provided a deadline for applications of April 7, 2008 and those receiving funds are encouraged to contact Sumner County Long Term Recovery .
Additionally, the Christian Reformed World Relief-Disaster Response Services will do needs assessments for properties affected by the storms. Their “Greenshirt” volunteers will be seen throughout the devastated areas over the next few weeks. This organization was in Sumner County in 2006 following the storms that affected Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, and Gallatin. Case managers will coordinate the application of volunteer manpower, donated funds, and professional contractors, when necessary, to help individuals and families return to a state of normalcy following the devastation of the February tornadoes.
Charities and agencies providing this help include Gallatin Cares, Hendersonville Community Pastors, USDA, Faith Lutheran Lebanon, Tn. Conference United Methodist Disaster Response, Gallatin Ministerial Association, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, FEMA, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Sumner County EMA and Trousdale County EMA, Operation Blessing, Bledsoe Baptist Association, Graceworks Ministry, Catholic Charities, Hartsville Pike Church of Christ Disaster Relief, Tn. Mfg. Housing Association, Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, United Way of Sumner County, and the Nashville chapter of the American Red Cross, with other charities and organizations being welcomed into the effort.
Committee chairman Matt Steinhauer says “Plans are for the SCLTR committee to stay intact after addressing this event so we can be prepared for any future disaster and remain active and on-call indefinitely.” .
Those seeking help, along with information on how to donate, may call (615) 452-5732 and ask for Sumner County Long Term Recovery Committee help.
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