Families getting help through LTRC

Funding is coming through. a caseworker is on the job, and most importantly, people in Stoddard County are being helped through efforts of the local Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC), a group of area individuals representing several assisting agencies.

The organization learned late last month that a grant application for funding through the Missouri Interfaith Disaster Response Organization (MIDRO) had been approved. By the end of the month, the LTRC had $38,500 at their disposal to be applied toward helping individuals and families in Stoddard County who still face issues as a result of the 2011 spring floods.

MIDRO is a state-wide organization of faith-based groups involved in disaster response. The group coordinates the resources of its members to aid long term recovery in communities affected by disasters.

"This is progress," said LTRC member, Carol Moreland, regarding the funding and within the course of Monday's meeting of the committee, the distribution of about $4,000 of that money to families in need.

The LTRC, as its name suggests, focuses on the "long term" needs of those in Stoddard County whose homes or property still face issues from the 2011 floods. Some of those in need live in the Morehouse area which borders New Madrid County. Several live in the area of Puxico and north of Puxico. At least one home in need lies in the Dudley area and another within the city of Dexter.

"We've picked up a few additional cases in recent weeks as word has gotten out of our efforts," explained LTRC's caseworker, Tom Shepard, whose task it is to go into the residences of those with remaining issues and evaluate needs.

On the job since May, Shepard has spent the past several weeks visiting in the homes of folks who have indicated through FEMA or through directly contacting him, that they still need help. In his role, which is funded through the Workforce Investment Board (WIB), Shepard first investigates how much assistance has been utilized through FEMA or other assisting organizations, then goes to work finding resources for those whose needs are determined to be legitimate.

The LTRC Committee meets periodically and examines Shephard's caseload, seeking voluntary help and funds to remedy the problems that remain. A roundtable discussion among representatives from local churches, Catholic Charities, DAEOC, Bootheel Counseling, HOPE International, the local Elks, 211, FEMA, Stoddard County Emergency Services, and others, then ensues until a solution or potential solution, is found.

Specifically, a total of 15 cases currently exist for the committee's review. Many involve foundation issues with mobile homes from the excess water standing for weeks last spring. Others have roof damage that has never been completely repaired. Yet others are living with mold in their homes.

"One family in Advance has roof damage and has had a tarp on a portion of the roof for over a year. The household is also in need of flooring and drywall," Shepard told the committee Monday.

"Another home near Dudley sustained wind damage and then water damage to ceilings, walls and floors. Mold has developed in the home, and FEMA money didn't cover all the damages."

Now, with $2,000 appropriated for this household, Catholic Charities is working to organize volunteers to help this household back to some semblance of normalcy after more than a year.

The committee also agreed on Monday to grant up to $1,500 to a family in rural Kinder, north of Puxico, in order to correct a serious safety hazard involving exposed electric lines draped across the property. Through the money earmarked for the family this week, those issued will be resolved.

Another case discussed Monday was that of a family north of Advance whose home sustained considerable damage to the foundation, and in turn, severe plumbing issues exist.

"This family is truly doing everything they possibly can do to resolve their problems. They're hard-working, proud people who are working hard. They just need some help," Shepard said.

Stepping up to resolve an existing problem with an air conditioning system for that household was HOPE International, whose representative, Gale Jordan, promised to repair or replace the unit and to offer the family additional help with immediate needs.

Shepard has also heavily utilized the local USDA office, encouraging those who qualify to apply through USDA for one- percent interest home repair loans. Some eligibility criteria must be met to qualify, but Shepard told the committee that of the nine families who have applied thus far, only one was determined ineligible.

"We are definitely seeing progress since Tom's been on the job," said Committee Chair Kathy Cato. "We're moving in a good direction, and we're very pleased with what's being accomplished."

Several needs still exist, Shepard told the committee in his report Monday.

What is most needed in order to complete the needed repairs that exist, Shepard said, is volunteers -- skilled volunteers in some instances, and unskilled but enthusiastic ones in others.

"For things like roofing and drywall, we of course need folks who have that expertise," Shepard explained. "But in many instances, we just need manpower to tear off old sheet rock or cabinets. We're looking for youth groups or church groups -- anyone who would be willing to take direction and dive in and help."

Any individuals who would consider assisting in the efforts of the Stoddard County Long Term Recovery Committee's efforts are asked to contact Shepard at 573-625-2684 or via email at stoddardcountyltrc@gmail.com.