American Red Cross in the area
Published 7:00 am Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Victims of the most recent flooding event in Pearl River County can apply for various kinds of assistance in the Pine Grove community through the American Red Cross.
Tuesday members of the organization were setting up shop at the Pine Grove Baptist Church to prepare to provide assistance to those in need.
American Red Cross Site Director Eric Sandberg said the aim was to bring all services provided by the organization to one location. Victims of the flood can visit the site Wednesday or Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. There, volunteers will be able to assess people’s needs and provide them with cleaning supplies or financial assistance.
Sandberg said the amount of financial assistance will be determined based on need. That financial help will allow them to recoup lost food or clothing from the disaster.
If victims need other services, such as mental or physical health treatment, the volunteers can provide them with referrals to sources capable of providing that help.
Additionally, if a family needs assistance with the cleanup of the damage caused by the flood, Red Cross volunteers can get them in touch with people or organizations willing to help.
Unlike the assistance provided last week, which was just for residents of the Walkiah Bluff area, this assistance is for anyone in the area who suffered damage or lost belongings.
During that effort Sandberg estimates they saw between 50 to 70 families who needed assistance.
Families who come to this effort will be assessed to determine need. If the address has already been assessed then volunteers will work to provide assistance. For homes not already assessed, a disaster assessment team will be sent to the home.