Looking into the next phase of disaster relief, a collaborative recovery group has been established. The purpose of the Great Lakes Bay Long Term Recovery Group is to partner with faith-based organizations, volunteer and social agencies, governmental agencies, community-based organizations, business and individual volunteers who seek to address the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the individuals and families affected by the late June 2017 mid-Michigan flooding event.
Several subcommittees exist within this structure. A communications team will work in engaging community partners and residents in keeping them updated on the current workings of the larger committee and available resources. An intake committee has also been created to identify unmet needs with the community due to the recent flooding experienced by residents and direct any resources available to those unmet needs.
The committee encourages those affected by the flood to call 211 as your first local connection. This is a 24/7 information and referral service registering needs and connecting individuals to resources. For those that receive assistance from the State, there are “Emergency” resources available. On a national level, Midland is waiting on word from President Trump to see if federal assistance may be made available to residents and businesses.
The long term recovery group’s key point of contact is Jenifier Boyer, Midland County Emergency Management Coordinator. She can be reached at jboyer@co.midland.mi.us or 989-832-6750.
Partners of this collaboration include: American Red Cross, The Arc of Midland, Bay County Emergency Management, The Dow Chemical Company, First United Methodist Church-Midland, Gladwin County Emergency Management Office, Memorial Presbyterian Church – Midland, MI Community Service Commission, MI Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, MI State Police/ Emergency Management Homeland Security Division, Michigan VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) , Midland Area Community Foundation, Midland Area Homes, Midland County Department of Health and Human Services, Midland County Emergency Management Office, Midland Habitat for Humanity, Saginaw County Emergency Management Office, St. John’s Episcopal Church – Midland, The Salvation Army, United Methodist Church Disaster Recovery, United Way of Midland County, and 211 NE Michigan.
