March 2, 2011
Carter County Long Term Recovery Team still helping
By Shayla Menville - Staff Writer
CNHIThe Journal-Times
Wed Mar 02, 2011, 08:32 AM EST
March 2, 2011 — The Carter County Long Term Recovery Team has been helping individuals and families throughout the county get back on their feet since last year’s floods and are continuing those efforts.
The group was formed to ensure the needs of those living in flood-prone parts of Carter County received assistance in whatever form possible.
The CCLTRT received a list of affected residences and so far has reached out to people living in Grahn, Porter Creek, Globe, Smith Branch, Fultz, Aden, Four Mile and Olive Hill.
Of the approximate 300 addresses, the group has 14 closed cases, 40 open cases, and has referred 30 cases to other entities that could better help with personal or family needs.
Bill Johnson, vice chair of the CCLTRT, said they made many contacts by phone but have also physically gone to find the people who might need the group’s help
“Most of the contact has been face to face with people and several we could not find because they have moved and left no phone number or contact information,” said Johnson. “Most of the people said they didn't need our help and were doing fine after the floods.”
Johnson said that the group is also working with local businesses to purchase items needed in recovery so those expenditures can further give back to the community.
“For example, we have purchased particle board and lumber from Smith's Hardware and a refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer from Kay's Used Furniture to help two of the families we opened cases for,” said Johnson.
He added that the business community has helped so much with the recovery efforts.
Johnson said he has been amazed at the resilience of Carter Countians.
“There have been several instances where people said they need help with purchasing building supplies but will do the work themselves,” said Johnson.
The group is continually looking for anyone in the county that has a need and has not been contacted by the CCLTRT.
They do not focus on businesses but are set up to help those who lost so much due to the flooding.
The next step for the CCLTRT is to focus on preparedness so that when Carter County is hit by another flood its citizens will be able to bounce back more quickly.
Starlene Harris, case management coordinator, said the group wants community members to be ready if and when the waters rise again.
“We have to think ahead and we have to educate people on what to do to make their homes flood resistance,” said Harris. “They need to know that flood insurance is available. “This is necessary so that we aren't faced with the same situation in the future.”
CCLTRT is working towards getting an early warning system for Olive Hill, similar to the one in Grayson. The group is also putting together brochures and pamphlets so that people can better prepare themselves.
CCLTRT is working with the Olive Hill’s Council for Planning and Restoration (CPR) for long term recovery efforts but has a different focus than that local group.
CCLTRT concentrates on individuals and families throughout the entire county while CPR is a long term recovery group that is looking towards the future of specifically Olive Hill.
The group is still trying to identify unmet needs of flood victims and can be reached by calling the Grahn School Community Center at 286-0328 or 286-0177.
March 2, 2011 — The Carter County Long Term Recovery Team has been helping individuals and families throughout the county get back on their feet since last year’s floods and are continuing those efforts.
The group was formed to ensure the needs of those living in flood-prone parts of Carter County received assistance in whatever form possible.
The CCLTRT received a list of affected residences and so far has reached out to people living in Grahn, Porter Creek, Globe, Smith Branch, Fultz, Aden, Four Mile and Olive Hill.
Of the approximate 300 addresses, the group has 14 closed cases, 40 open cases, and has referred 30 cases to other entities that could better help with personal or family needs.
Bill Johnson, vice chair of the CCLTRT, said they made many contacts by phone but have also physically gone to find the people who might need the group’s help
“Most of the contact has been face to face with people and several we could not find because they have moved and left no phone number or contact information,” said Johnson. “Most of the people said they didn't need our help and were doing fine after the floods.”
Johnson said that the group is also working with local businesses to purchase items needed in recovery so those expenditures can further give back to the community.
“For example, we have purchased particle board and lumber from Smith's Hardware and a refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer from Kay's Used Furniture to help two of the families we opened cases for,” said Johnson.
He added that the business community has helped so much with the recovery efforts.
Johnson said he has been amazed at the resilience of Carter Countians.
“There have been several instances where people said they need help with purchasing building supplies but will do the work themselves,” said Johnson.
The group is continually looking for anyone in the county that has a need and has not been contacted by the CCLTRT.
They do not focus on businesses but are set up to help those who lost so much due to the flooding.
The next step for the CCLTRT is to focus on preparedness so that when Carter County is hit by another flood its citizens will be able to bounce back more quickly.
Starlene Harris, case management coordinator, said the group wants community members to be ready if and when the waters rise again.
“We have to think ahead and we have to educate people on what to do to make their homes flood resistance,” said Harris. “They need to know that flood insurance is available. “This is necessary so that we aren't faced with the same situation in the future.”
CCLTRT is working towards getting an early warning system for Olive Hill, similar to the one in Grayson. The group is also putting together brochures and pamphlets so that people can better prepare themselves.
CCLTRT is working with the Olive Hill’s Council for Planning and Restoration (CPR) for long term recovery efforts but has a different focus than that local group.
CCLTRT concentrates on individuals and families throughout the entire county while CPR is a long term recovery group that is looking towards the future of specifically Olive Hill.
The group is still trying to identify unmet needs of flood victims and can be reached by calling the Grahn School Community Center at 286-0328 or 286-0177.