Second Round Of Tornado Recovery Funding Available To Nonprofits

March 30, 2016

The United Way has opened the second round of tornado recovery funding . Any local nonprofit can apply for a portion of the $107,540 is that is available in the second round. The deadline to apply is April 15, and priority will be given to applications that clearly demonstrate how they will assist survivors’ long-term recovery needs.

Recovery efforts for the families impacted by the two EF3 tornados that destroyed or damaged 408 properties across Escambia County remain an on-going, top priority. Through the support of many local nonprofits, organizations and individuals, these families have begun to rebuild. Recognizing the extreme need for continued support, the United Way of Escambia County Board of Directors is accepting applications for the second round of disaster funding. In the first round of funding, United Way released $136,085.71 in funds to eight partners.

United Way’s Board of Directors will review all applications and make funding recommendations based on the information presented. Priority consideration will be given to applications that clearly demonstrate how they will assist tornado survivors in their long-term recovery from the February 15 and 23 EF-3 tornadoes. Nonprofits that received awards during the first round can apply for additional funds during each of the three rounds. Each organization that receives funding will sign a contract by which they agree to provide weekly and quarterly reports on how the funds are used to support survivors.

As of March 28, United Way had received cash donations of $243,626, all of which will be disbursed to aid recovery. $142,160 in additional pledges will be awarded once those funds are received. Additionally, United Way collected in-kind items valued at $55,446 from generous community donations. Survivors who need access to those supplies should visit the United Way “Store” located at  1301 W. Government Street in Pensacola or Healthy Start located at 501 Church Street in Century. United Way is accepting second visits from residents impacted by the tornadoes. Dial 2-1-1 for  more information.

Each of the eight funded partners from the first allocation plays an essential role in the survivor’s recovery. The assistance provided to survivors includes payments for electrical boxes, insurance/utility deposits, utility transfer fees, construction supplies, housing, prescription refills for lost medication and counseling assistance. Consequently, no duplication of systems or services is necessary. One funded organization, Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE), used $4,827 of directed funding from Gulf Power Company to reinstall electrical boxes in 10 Century homes. In addition, BRACE will use $28,571 of funding from United Way to equip volunteer teams with the building supplies they need in order to rebuild survivors’ homes.

Executive Director of BRACE, Greg Strader, says, “Were it not for the support of United Way, many of the families that survived the tornadoes would never recover. The disaster funding provided by United Way has allowed BRACE to recruit volunteer teams that specialize in recovery to restore hope and homes, as it did after United Way provided funding following the 2014 Flood.”

Any nonprofit organization wishing to apply for funding should contact United Way’s Partnership Manager, Stephanie Crandall, at stephanie@unitedwayescambia.org or call (850)444-7140 to receive application instructions.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News