Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund Report Released

ALBANY, NY (08/31/2012)(readMedia)-- A report on the grants made by the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund has been submitted to Governor Andrew Cuomo. United Way of New York State created and managed the Fund at the request of the Governor's office following last fall's storms and flooding for those affected by the hurricane as well as Tropical Storm Lee.

A total of $206,602 has been distributed which is $14,800 short of what had been requested.

The report covers:

• Fundraising efforts especially the challenges over the long-term

• Grants assistance

• The issues faced by those affected by these storms

• The contribution of 2-1-1 call centers in handling thousands of calls from people needing help

• The role of local United Ways and their partners in relief and long-term recovery

• Challenges encountered and recommendations for the future.

Among the issues noted:

• The lack of adequate housing for those displaced

• The challenge of connecting people with available assistance

• Limited availability of local human services agencies

• The late arrival of case management services

• The challenges of managing donated household goods and clothing

• Complex and duplicative aid processes

• Income limits that left some people in need of help

• Inadequate funding for long-term recovery for individuals and families

See the attached report for more on these and the recommendations.