Tornado recovery: Long-Term Recovery Group assisting St. John victims
Published 12:03 am Wednesday, March 16, 2016
- The St. John the Baptist Parish Long-Term Recovery Group, which Parish leaders said assisted more than a thousand homeowners in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, has been reactivated to provide rebuilding assistance to tornado victims.
LAPLACE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Long-Term Recovery Group, which Parish leaders said assisted more than a thousand homeowners in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, has been reactivated to provide rebuilding assistance to tornado victims.
In an announcement Monday, Parish Government said the Recovery Group includes faith-based leaders, Parish officials, volunteer agencies and non-profit organizations who work to further assist the needs of elderly, disabled, uninsured and underinsured residents.
Residents impacted by Feb. 23’s devastating tornado still needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Volunteer Reception Center at 985-359-0460.
Callers unable to reach a volunteer are asked to leave a message, and parish leaders said someone would return those calls.
St. John United Way has raised more than $60,000 for recovery and is be working with the Long Term Recovery Group to assist those who need it most. The group is also accepting donations of rebuilding materials. Although meals and toiletry items are appreciated, efforts are being refocused to rebuilding in the next few weeks.
Skilled laborers and volunteers are highly needed to assist with rebuilding efforts, and interested volunteer groups should also call the hotline at 985-359-0460 to register to work.
Large volumes of rebuilding and construction supplies are being accepted through the multi-agency warehouse in LaPlace, located at 1929 W. Airline Highway.
All donations will be allocated to volunteer and non-profit organizations in the Recovery Group. To further assist the ongoing needs of residents after the severe weather event, the Long-Term Recovery Group is relaunching the Recovery website, stjohnrecovery.com, devoted to recovery efforts in St. John.
The website will be utilized as a way to show viewers the progress being made in St. John Parish since the tornado and help assess needs, offer support to residents and provide information relating to long-term recovery.
Information on St. John the Baptist Parish recovery will continue to be released through the Recovery Group.
Additional information can be viewed at stjohnrecovery.com.