Disaster 1522 (May 2004), Disaster 1536 (July 2004), these words and numbers have different meanings or connate different feelings. But to those living in areas of Mingo County last year a devastating flooding event occurred and these words became a reality.

The severity is evidenced by the 3,630 residents affected and eligible for FEMA benefits. In Mingo County, many residents sustained damages beyond what the FEMA award covered to repair and replace their loss ($5,100 maximum). In fact, 226 families have been living in FEMA mobile homes and 120 in travel trailers in Logan and Mingo Counties since the disaster. Those considered repairable homeowners were offered FEMA travel trailers to use as temporary residences.

Most families referred to long term flood recovery do not qualify for a Small Business Administration Loan (SBA) due to fixed incomes, disability and their basic inability to pay back a loan. Families who have needs after other resources have been exhausted are candidates for receiving assistance through the Mingo County Long Term Recovery Committee. Currently, six long term recovery committees exist across West Virginia to respond to unmet needs using grant money, donated labor, office space, materials and funds from faith-based organizations.

In September 2004, the Mingo County Long-Term Recovery office opened in Gilbert. Since that time, of 664 referrals, 91 have been closed. The case manager is currently coordinating the logistics of volunteer work crews who will work the summer in Mingo County providing donated labor and when possible, materials. The work is just beginning and it is the work is plentiful. Therefore, skilled groups are still needed and being sought to assist families in the recovery process.

In the months to come, a FEMA mobile home purchasing program will be available. The purchasing program is a resolution to providing safe and sanitary living conditions but other issues emerge which will ultimately again create barriers. It is estimated by FEMA that 150 (approximately ½) of the 346 families in mobile homes/travel trailers will not have a permanent housing solution by their November 2005 deadline.

Knowing this, it is certain that the need for skilled labor will be crucial to assist repairable home owners comply with FEMA lease agreements to rebuild and return to the damaged dwelling. The impending result will be eviction to some families if assistive solutions through recovery programs are not possible.

If you would like to assist with the home repair work in West Virginia please contact the following people.  Mission opportunities are available in Mingo, Logan, and Kanawha counties.

Contact:

Debbie Sweeney

Western Regional Director, CCS

Phone: 304-824-3438

Email: debsween@ntelos.net

Or Mike York, Associational Missionary

Coalfield Baptist Association

(Logan and Mingo Counties)

Phone: (304) 752-7060
E-mail cbawv5@wv-cis.net