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Damage assessed, storm victim needs to be addressed
by Lisa Voyles/Chickasaw Journal
Nov 24, 2011 | 1181 views | 0 0 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
CHICKASAW COUNTY - The Greenshirts teams from the Christian Reformed World Relief committee spent two weeks in Chickasaw County, interviewing storm victims and assessing unmet needs.

Now the real work begins toward long-term recovery.

The group turned their findings over to the Long Term Recovery committee who hopes to find resources to fill the gaps still left from the April 27 tornadoes.

The Greenshirts became familiar with the county very quickly and received a warm response from residents.

"It's been a light to be here and it was wonderful getting to know the people here," said Carol Ackerman. "We've been on over 126 different roads and streets. We tried to hit every single road that had any damage whatsoever."

The teams made contact at 190 houses and returned over 80 surveys. Now the LTR will prioritize the most urgent needs and try to locate resources to help.

"The most major assistance needed is with roofs," said Walt Ackerman of the Greenshirts. "There were people who fell through the cracks at the time."

Carol Martin said it was common to find people who didn't know how bad the damage was to their home at the time of the disaster.

"What many told us was they didn't realize the damage or how much damage there was until after the deadline had passed to apply for help from FEMA," Martin said.

Woodland Mayor Pattie Watkins, who serves on the LTR, said she knew residents in the area tried to do everything they could for themselves.

"Most all folks got out there and tried to clean up and bring themselves back," Watkins said.

Walt Ackerman agreed, but pointed out that some had more resources than others.

"Most did, but these are the ones who, for whatever reason, are stuck now," Ackerman said. "Maybe they didn't realize their roof was in bad condition until it starting raining and now the water is causing the ceilings to fall."

Several members of the LTR committee have volunteered to act as case managers for those who need assistance finding agencies and groups that can help them and they will also begin looking for grants and companies that help replace lost items after disasters.

Ackerman suggested the LTR committee contact other areas who have suffered disasters and seek sources as well as looking in Chickasaw County.

"If you have retired plumbers or electricians who are certified and would be willing to donate a day of work, it would be helpful," Ackerman said.

Surveys still available

Although the Greenshirts have returned home, those who wish to complete a needs assessment survey may still do so by calling the Chickasaw County Extension office at 456-4269.

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