FEMA statistics show that 3,281 people have applied for tornado assistance, including 3,056 from Hampden County and 220 from Worcester County.
SPRINGFIELD – Representatives from religious, charitable and government agencies across Greater Springfield came together Tuesday to make basic plans for the region’s long-term tornado recovery effort.
Arlene Magoon, the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s regional volunteer liaison, told participants in the long-range recovery campaign that they will be working together for the next 18 months.
“We need to keep going until the last person has what they need to move forward,” said Magoon, adding that most of the recovery will be completed within a year.
FEMA statistics show that 3,281 people have applied for assistance, including 3,056 from Hampden County and 220 from Worcester County. Since the June 1 tornadoes, the agency has assigned 150 workers to the area, and awarded $3.2 million in grants, Magoon said.
The meeting, held at the First Presbyterian Church on Allen Street, drew representative from a cross-section of organizations, from the Greater Springfield Council of Churches and Catholic Charities to the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanities and the state Department of Transitional Assistance.
In the month after the tornadoes, the outpouring of donations and volunteers has been remarkable, but the recovery effort keeps its focus on tornado-related needs, Magoon said.
“It’s important to avoid mission creep,” Magoon said, adding the rebuilding campaign must “honor the intent” of donors.
