CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There are now eight long term recovery committees in West Virginia who will help flood victims get back on their feet following the June 23rd storm.
More than six weeks after the historic flood, State Senator John Unger (D-Berkeley, 16) said the clean up effort has people “tired, but inspired” to keep going.
Volunteers that make up the committees include those from non-governmental organizations such as churches and civic groups. The first group called the Greater Greenbrier Long-Term Recovery Committee in Greenbrier County has been up and running since last month.
Unger leads the effort. He explained on Monday’s MetroNews “Talkline” that groups will do case managements for each family impacted by the flood to figure out what needs haven’t been met with FEMA.
Unger said NGOs will be in West Virginia for the long haul after FEMA decides to leave, so it’s important to unite communities and not rely on government so much.
“It’s almost pulling our resources and our different types of talent in order try to recover from the flood,” Unger said. “It’s neighbors depending on neighbors. That’s what builds community. That’s what builds resilience. This is what these committees are about. They’re not governmental agencies.”
The main goal right now is to work to get as many people back into their homes before the winter season, Unger said.
“We got to help people repair and rebuild as quickly as possible because when winter comes along, this is going to be very harsh,” he said.
The project began with homes in Greenbrier County — one of the hardest-hit areas in the state. The same initiative is being used to reach impacted citizens throughout the state in the coming months.