Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) has stepped up to help survivors of the devastating floods across West Virginia.
They have more than 30 members involved in all phases of disaster recovery.
From the initial response and relief phase through recovery, VOAD works with emergency managers in every county.
“In the current disaster, we’re working with 14 counties, all received federal declarations of emergency,” said Chairman of the Board David Lumsden. “That’s very important, and we’re deeply appreciative of the work that the governor and our congressional delegation have done in securing that declaration. It’ll make a big difference for the families that get individual assistance.”
Morissey continues to pursue disaster declarations for other Mountain State counties. VOAD looks at the need and what must be sent where, connecting with their partner organizations to provide those supplies or services.
“Distribution is a funny thing. We can have a lot of supplies in one location, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gotten to all the locations in the counties,” Lumsden said. “So we work together with our partners to not only go to (let’s say) the Welch Armory or fetal house in Williamson, but other locations as well.”
According to the chairman of the board, there’s a portion of scripture that reads: ‘To those who’ve been given much, much is expected.’ He says he lives that creed.
“All of our members have that same outlook, whether it’s a matter of faith or duty and service to our community and our state,” said Lumsden. “We’re called to go ahead and make a difference, to try and reach out and help folks. And that help changes shape as the disaster unfolds.”
The chairman says we’re hitting a milestone moving into recovery. Many VOAD partner groups in the affected areas are doing muck-outs on the flooded and muddied homes, and the humanitarian coalition helps provide supplies for those operations.
“In an attempt to get out and see all the flood-damaged areas, meet with the emergency managers and county commissioners, I carried as many flood buckets as my truck would carry and in the process met wonderful people locally doing terrific work,” Lumsden said.
It’s hard to keep the faith knowing the damage your home or business sustained. But the chairman says you’re not alone; remember that community support is important. VOAD also fosters and restores hope in communities.
“Unfortunately, with West Virginia, there’s too many opportunities — whether you’ve suffered a disaster or a family member has suffered a disaster,” said Lumsden. “You have only to put yourself in their shoes and understand the need for empathy.”
