Community Organizations Active in Disaster still available for recovery efforts

Feb. 03--ALBANY -- For hurricane victims who have been wondering about the availability of Community Organizations Active in Disaster for continued relief, officials with the organization say they have not gone away.

On Friday, COAD released a briefing to the public updating individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Michael on what resources are still available for help.

"The vision of Community Organizations Active in Disaster is to efficiently centralize and streamline information to local volunteers, churches and organizations who want to help disaster response," a news release from the organization said. "Using a systematic and comprehensive approach, COAD is dedicated to providing coordinated care to individuals and families who are in need now and until they have fully recovered."

The Disaster Assistance and Community Resource Hotline is still accessible through United Way of Southwest Georgia by calling 211. Apart from that, COAD is providing updates for those still needing assistance following the October hurricane.

The organization has transitioned into long-term recovery status and is providing assistance for unmet needs, specifically needs not met by homeowners' insurance or the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Eligibility for assistance is on a case-by-case basis, and those wishing to be considered can complete an online application at www.arrcoad.com, call Albany Relief and Recovery at (229) 288-2669 or call the United Way by dialing 211.

Effective today, World Renew will begin providing disaster response services to assist with contacting and connecting with individuals who have unmet needs. They will be headquartered at the former Coke plant at 925 Pine Ave. until Feb. 15.

"They will also reach people via phone or may visit door to door," the COAD release said. "For more information or to speak to our local World Renew team, call (229) 435-0562."

The organization also said the Team Rubicon mobilization unit has arrived in Albany and will deploy to homes in Dougherty County to handle debris removal for residents. Officials with COAD said the team of veterans is trained and equipped to handle chainsaw and heavy equipment and will handle cases currently in the COAD database until Feb. 15.

"COAD is proud to be working with several local and national organizations and corporations that will be assisting our community with debris removal in the upcoming months," the release said. "The community heroes include Turner Job Corps, Thrush Aircraft, Echo Youth from Leesburg Methodist Church, Sisters on the Fly, Georgia College Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Pfizer and Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief Team.

"Volunteer teams are still needed for debris removal support. Companies, churches or organizations who would like to volunteer their time to support debris removal efforts, email [email protected]."

United Way's annual Day of Caring will take place on April 5, and the agency's focus this year will be disaster recovery. Any organization or company wishing to participate should contact United Way at (229) 888-6126.

Locations are still operating to provide disaster recovery supplies and food on a limited basis. They are:

-- Cutliff Grove Family Resource Center, 841 W. Broad Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m on select Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday;

-- The Lord's Pantry, 219 W. Society Ave.;

-- Neighbors in Need, 2005 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive;

-- Faith Community Outreach, 106 N. Monroe St., 9 a.m.-2 p.m Tuesday through Friday;

-- Salvation Army, 304 W. Second Ave., 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday.

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