News
A Special Message From USAging CEO Sandy Markwood
Reports of devastation pouring in from Southeastern AAAs; USAging Disaster Relief Fund donations needed
“It is unbelievable, the amount of need related to the destruction. We appreciate your support and thoughts and prayers. This is the saddest thing I've experienced in my lifetime and hope to never see anything like this again.”— AAA Director, TN
Because you are a dedicated professional working in the Aging Network, I am reaching out to you with a very important request. Many of your fellow AAAs in the Southeast were devastated by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago, and they are bracing for yet another, stronger hurricane this week.
USAging staff has been in touch with directors of affected Southeastern AAAs to determine the challenges they are facing and the potential need of older adults in their regions. Our colleagues reported that they are experiencing:
- Loss of power, internet access, cell service, phone service, and in some cases any means of communication at all. This is predicted to last for days, and in some areas, up to four weeks.
- Flooding, washed-out bridges, impassible roads and downed trees across entire regions, making travel to AAA offices and sites unsafe or impossible—and preventing meal delivery or checking on homebound clients.
- Damage to AAA offices, making it unsafe for staff to work on site. Staff are attempting to continue their work at home, but many are unable to work remotely due to loss of power and internet in their homes as well.
- Loss of food/meals, vehicles and congregate sites due to flooding, mud slides or other damage.
- Unsafe drinking water, low gasoline supplies and dwindling medical supplies.
- Closures of hospitals and nursing homes due to flooding or lack of water.
- AAA staff who are trying to help clients, while at the same time dealing with their own devastations. Mental health services and emotional support are needed.
- Requests pouring in for meals, safe drinking water, debris cleanup, tree removal, well chlorination, home repairs, medical equipment and assistive devices, clothing, home essentials, vehicles and housing.
Although AAAs have reached out to emergency response teams, FEMA and other entities for help, these groups are focused on search and rescue in many areas due to the sheer numbers of people still missing.
Despite the degree of devastation, one director told us, “Each day I see the community come together and help each other, which makes each of us stronger. We know we can get through this together!”
That is what I'm asking from you today: As a member of the Aging Network, will you support your colleagues helping older adults recover from this devastation by making a donation to the USAging Disaster Relief Fund?
This fund helps AAAs and Title VI programs purchase food, gift cards, clothing and medical supplies to help older adults as they recover from disasters. Often, funds are used to provide temporary housing or replace furnishings and home essentials. Our anecdotal evidence, obtained through voluntary reports from AAAs who have received Disaster Relief funds in the past, show that many of victims of natural disasters in these areas are over the age of 50 and do not have insurance.
How Relief Funds Are Used
Past recipients of relief funds have reported being able to help clients by:
- Providing food and safe drinking water
- Replacing household goods, home essentials such as cleaning and personal hygiene supplies, clothing, furnishings and medical devices
- Covering repairs to homes that were made unsafe by damage
- Making temporary homes accessible
- Replacing basic needs such as beds, kitchen appliances
- Covering hotel expenses for those who couldn't find places in shelters
- Assisting with rent for those who were injured or lost income
Your help is crucial. We hope you will you come together with your community of Aging Network colleagues and assist them during this time of need by making a gift to the USAging Disaster Relief Fund.
One hundred percent of donations to the Fund go directly to AAAs and Title VI programs in the affected areas to assist their older adult clients recovering from disasters and often making it possible for them to continue vital services to older adults in their communities.
Please donate today. Your gift will truly make a difference and have a positive impact in an area that greatly needs hope.
Sincerely,
Sandy Markwood, CEO