News
Southeastern AAAs Begin Recovery Efforts in the Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew
- By: USAging
- On: 10/14/2016 17:09:58
- In: Policy & Advocacy
The flooding and destruction from Hurricane Matthew has impacted at least 14 AAAs and the communities they serve in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina over the past week. These AAAs are now working to support their community recovery efforts and assist older adults with their immediate needs, including shelter, food, transportation and financial assistance.
FEMA is referring individuals impacted by Hurricane Matthew to the n4a-administered Eldercare Locator. The Locator, which serves as a key conduit between older adults affected in the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Matthew and AAAs providing services and supports, expects to see a significant number of requests for assistance in the coming weeks as recovery efforts continue.
“The Aging Network providers have really stepped up by preparing seniors for the storm, putting in long hours and providing services immediately following the storm," said Linda Levin, Executive Director of ElderSource, the Area Agency on Aging serving northeast Florida. "Many seniors who evacuated still have not returned home, so we are working with providers and other agencies in the community to respond to the most pressing needs.”
If you or your agency would like to help the southeastern states that were affected by Hurricane Matthew, please consider donating to the n4a Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund has made numerous donations to AAAs dealing with local or statewide emergencies since its creation more than 10 years ago. There are two ways to donate:
- Checks: Payable to n4a, but note in the memo section “Disaster Relief Fund”; mailing address at the end of the newsletter.
- Credit Cards: Visit the n4a donation page and select Building Our Capacity Fund at the bottom of the page. Please be sure to click on “Dedicate the Donation” and select “In Honor Of” so that you can enter “Disaster Relief Fund.” (Note: Any gifts not indicated as such would remain in the n4a Building Our Capacity Fund.)