Accomplishments this quarter were good! We mitigated our first four homes and entered applications for new homes to be assessed. We received extension for FEMA close out which will help us finalize plans for those still living in FEMA trailers past deadline. We received $25,000 grant from CRWRC.

Relationships with other organizations are our greatest accomplishment. We have strengthened and nurtured these relationships. As you will see below these are the greatest accomplishments and what will assist our residents the most.

Partnerships with United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades were strengthened, and plans for that relationship to continue in 2008 and 2009 were made. They have funded the executive director in full since we were incepted and will continue to fund the position part time in 2008. They also provide our agency with office space. We have been promoting the 211 program and making referrals to this program often.

By working with UMCOR and the local Methodist Churches and groups we have continued to secure funding for case managers and a construction coordinator. We also have a supply of volunteers from them; two local churches have pastors that served on our board since inception (one pastor resigned this week). Both local Methodist Churches also continually offer help to volunteers by housing, feeding, and providing spiritual and emotional support to them when they come. Both churches have also made their missions open to our clients, the Church in Clewiston opens up its food pantry and the one in Moore haven opens up its thrift shop. Two groups of 12 volunteers total from Florida worked 283 hours for an in kind donation of $5,235.50.

Also, by working with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and various Presbyterian Churches we secured most of the money needed to pay our Volunteer coordinator, part of our cell phones bills. This local Presbyterian Church also houses groups of volunteers and feed groups dinner one night a week as well as providing spiritual and emotional support in the process. We had two groups from Florida this quarter. These 10 volunteers worked a total 190 hours for an in kind donation of $3,515.00.

We have also continued our relationship with Lutheran volunteers. We have had groups from Colorado, Florida, and Indiana this quarter. One single volunteer from Michigan came as well. These 70 volunteers worked 1288 hours for an in kind donation of $17,598.00.

Our local Baptist Church provides places for our groups to stay, and offers to feed the groups as well.

Our local Pentecostal church has offered to provide a place for groups to stay. A Pentecostal church from Florida also sent 2 volunteers this quarter that worked 20 hours for an in kind donation of $370.00.

The United Church of Christ is part of our LTRO, and although they do not have a local church they provide funding for our families at times and send one group from Massachusetts this quarter. This group of 12 worked 283 hours for an in kind donation of $5,531.50.

Our relationship with the Empowerment Alliance continues and our case manager/credit counselor/community representative position is doing many things to help homeless and those with credit problems in the community. The Empowerment Alliance pays for ½ the salary and benefits.

Our relationship with local governments and agencies has grown this quarter. We continue as part of the Family Services network. We are working with the City of Clewiston to help meet the need of those in FEMA trailers within the city to prevent them from becoming homeless. We are working with SHIP program in Hendry and Glades County.

Our fourth quarterly newsletter was published. We created a website, and blog site which have been successfully kept up. The blog site allows volunteers to read about their accomplishments and to post their own stories. Our website is http://home.earthlink.net/~hurricanerecovery/ and has links to all our funders and partners, it also links to published newspaper articles and web stories about CREW as well as to our blog site: http://huricanerecovery.blogspot.com/.

This quarter we had 118 volunteers, work 2080 hours at for an in kind donation of $32,249.50. We had 28 male volunteers from ages 14-19, 4 male volunteers from age group 20-25, 28 male volunteers from age group 26-60 and 9 over 61, 1 was Asian and other Hispanic the rest were Caucasian. As far as female volunteers, we had 32 from ages 14-19, 3 from 20-25, 13 from 26-60 and 1 over 61, all were Caucasian.

During this quarter we served 273. 48 new cases were opened, 21 recovery plans have been created with families and 55 recovery plans were updated. 98 cases were closed this quarter, 3 were referred to another agency, 20 had all their needs met by CREW, 2 had all their needs met by other means, 73 were closed due to clients failure to complete application process or refuse services. Statistical data on the clients we served are as follows, 56 female, 32 male, 37 Hispanic, 18 Black, 33 Caucasian. 7 are between ages of 20-29, 11 between 30-39, 9 between 40-49, 21 between 50-59, 19 between 60-69, 14 between ages of 70-79 and 7 between ages of 80-89.

For Mitigation, we have a total of 55 qualified residents in both counties; this includes 40 who are awaiting inspection from MSFH, 11 that are in progress and 4 that are completed. In addition we have 5 applications in the process of being verified before entering into computer.

Our FEMA Close out project has also been successful. In this program we have been able to use volunteers to help families apply skirting to mobile homes and spread shell to prepare pads for trailers. In total C.R.E.W. used a total of ­­­14 volunteers and 5 hours each of donated time/work during the month of July. This is a cumulative total of 70 hours.

During the Quarter, our FEMA Close out project received funding in the amount of $56,556.98 to cover the cost of fully connecting client’s mobile homes. Additionally, C.R.E.W. has received an email confirmation from the American Red Cross for funding for an additional nine families. Funding for services is expected in the next two weeks or less. It is important to note that funding received from American Red Cross is received as checks made directly to service providers and professional vendors and is considered in kind donations. At no time is this money deposited into C.R.E.W. accounts. C.R.E.W., has approximately ten other families hoping to apply for the Means to Recovery program. However, many of these applications are placed on hold due to clients needing to meet requirements and bring in documentation needed to complete the application process. Many of these families are inside the City of Clewiston. Additionally, C.R.E.W. has used money received from a contract through the Volunteer Florida Foundation to assist four other families with total set up and connections of there newly purchased trailers. The amount used to help the aforementioned families totals $37,809.50. Additionally, C.R.E.W. used $20,411.04 from this grant to help cover various incidental cost (such as skirting, surveys, permitting, deposit for set ups and demolitions) for 12 families. Finally, $409.34 was used to cover the administrative expenses of purchasing a safe and a digital camera. In total, C.R.E.W. used $58,629.58 of funding from the Volunteer Florida Foundation. FEMA provided C.R.E.W. with a total of 65 clients who were in need of services. Additionally, the City of Clewiston also named over 20 families living on non-conforming lots inside the city limits that may be in need of services. The later 20 families may still be in need of services even though they are considered “closed cases” by FEMA. Of the families receiving financial assistance or assistance with applying for financial assistance six families were White-non Hispanic, six families were Black), 13 were Hispanic, and one family was mixed white/and Hispanic. During the quarter, one family has been assisted with rental assistance and moved out of FEMA travel trailer. This family has been approved to receive Means To Recovery Funding, and are awaiting a check from American Red Cross and permits in order to complete their recovery plan. Also during the quarter, three families have reached a permanent housing solution.

Sixteen families in our FEMA Close out project have received approval for funding through the Means to Recovery Program with the American Red Cross. Additionally four families have received funding from the Volunteer Florida Foundation Contract to fully connect their mobile homes. However, in Hendry County it is taking over one to two months to receive a permit. Thus, even though funding has been secured and services have been ordered, families are still waiting on permit approvals through the county before completing their recovery plans. Of the clients working with C.R.E.W. nineteen are on course to implement their revised exit plan. It is anticipated that these nineteen families will be able to reach their goal of a permanent housing solution with in the next month and half given that the permitting process goes smoothly. One case was closed due to the client moving out of state and one case was closed due to legal issues surrounding power of attorney.

The remaining families working with C.R.E.W. in our FEMA Close out project are in the process of bringing in required documentation needed to move their Means to Recovery application forward. These families have been notified and are aware of what is needed to proceed. The majorities of these families are residing in a non conforming trailer park in the City of Clewiston and have been notified of the City deadline for removing trailers off of non conforming lots. Therefore, the anticipated funding from the city can be used to assist these clients.

During this quarter, C.R.E.W. completed 39 assessments, all but one in Hendry County. A total of 6 groups of volunteers and 4 different individual volunteers were supervised. The groups were as follows: Two of these combined and were from Our Saviors Lutheran from Greeley Colorado, and Zion Lutheran Church from Loveland Colorado. The other group was from First Parish of Westwood, Massachusetts. All of these groups were youth groups and chaperones. Grace Lutheran of New Albany, Indiana, Miami Presbyterian of Miami Shores Florida, and Conway United Methodist Church of Orlando Florida. Grace Lutheran of New Albany, Indiana, Miami Presbyterian of Miami Shores Florida, and Conway United Methodist Church of Orlando Florida. The work done by these groups was as follows: Roof and drywall repairs at J. S., installation of skirting at P. J. and M. R. homes, hanging and finishing drywall at J. M., skirting, porch repairs and ceiling treated at F. R.. The groups built a handicapped ramp for L. M. and completed demolition of a mobile home for T. F., finished drywall and replaced mobile home V. W., installed electrical wiring and outlets for the new computers. Repaired skirting at H. and C., removed and replaced floors at C. (1 Room) and M. (3 Rooms), repaired and painted ceilings at M.R., J.M. and H., removed fence at W.’s. The volunteer also did roofs. They repaired the roof at M.R., J.M. and H., and roofed a shed at B.’s, repaired drywall and painted walls, also repaired screen, and replaced and repaired A.C duct work at J.M. Representing C.R.E.W., the Construction Coordinator picked up ten gallons of donated paint from a resident at 330 W. Arcade Ave. John Mack from Maxis Screen printing donated 2 pieces of Durorock. The case managers also picked up five twin beds from United States Sugar Corporation. These were donated to three families. The total of In Kind donations for the quarter was $2,937.50. John Miller donated two sinks and the Orlando group donated and picked up $89.50 worth of lumber and accessories.

The reason we do what we do is for the following success stories.

L.T. is an elderly woman who lives at home. She is on disability due to high blood pressure. She has no family members who live hear by. Her home was damaged by Hurricane Wilma, she needed roof repairs, ceiling repairs, window and door replacement. She received some assistance from FEMA but it was not enough., insurance paid for some of the repairs as well. She is a member of True Vine Church in Clewiston. Our volunteers came and completed roof repairs for her.

M.S. is an elderly woman with congestive heart failure and severe financial problems. She received $17,000 from FEMA to repair roof, ceilings, outbuilding and plumbing but it was not enough to remove tree and yard debris. She was very fearful as the new hurricane season began and she was unable to remove the debris about her property. Two groups of volunteers collected the materials and hauled some, others we had to hire to have it hauled and paid dumping fees.

O.C. is unemployed and awaiting for his disability to be approved. He is 42 and lives with his wife and 2 children who are 14 and 5. They received $21,000 in insurance but ran out of money prior to fixing paneling, ceiling and insulation. Volunteers completed this project.

M.H. is an elderly widowed Cuban woman who lives alone in a very remote area of Montura Ranch Estates, a community just outside Clewiston in Hendry County. We referred her to Senior Services who assist her with rides to doctor's appointments. Her children live in Miami and visit occasionally. Her entire home was destroyed and many volunteers over the past year have gone to her home for various repairs. Recently CRWRC funds were used for materials used by volunteers who replaced her flooring damaged due to roof damage (previously fixed by other grant funds and volunteers).

A.G. is a Mexican man married with 4 children. Both he and his wife work but have very low income. They received some help from insurance, but not near enough to complete roof repairs and interior damage. Funds from CREW were used for materials for drywall and painting done by volunteers.

W.P. is an elderly woman suffering effects from a stroke that lived alone and due to stress of Hurricane and status of home which caused increased health problems was moved to nursing home. Meanwhile, her destroyed home was getting fined and pressured by Code Enforcement officials. Volunteers demolished the home and hauled and dumped debris.

T.F. is a single mom with five children, including twins. She applied for assistance with SHIP but because her mobile home is jointly owned by her and her father (who cannot be found) is ineligible for services. A new trailer through FEMA was bought but she did not have money to demolish old trailer so new one could be placed. Volunteers came and demolished trailer and funds and hauled and dumped debris.

R.S. is a single African American mom with three kids. She is low income and lives in Harlem Gardens. Volunteers came and replaced her ceiling and light fixture, after roof repairs had been done on her home.

M.O. is an elderly Mexican woman living on social security who is non-English speaking. She has a grown son who is also living with her and currently collecting unemployment. She did not have enough funds to repair her roof. Volunteers repaired her roof and replaced aluminum roof flashing.

L.M. is an extremely overweight married man whose wife is also very overweight, they have three children and their wheel chair ramp, which they need due to their size, was destroyed by storm. Volunteers came and built a new ramp.

R.F. is and married elderly man who lives with he wife and have no family nearby. They live on social security, and though most repairs were completed, they still needed skirting replaced. Volunteers came and replaced skirting.

Our finances as of August are as follows. There is $86,695.03 in our account, including all grant funds. This includes the following accounts.
1. CRWRC had $8651.04 remaining of the initial deposit of $25,000; we are expecting
another installment of $25,000. This grant is for direct service to clients, materials and
such, 5% of the total amount may be spent on administrative expenses. $3,116.47 was
spent in July.
2. VFF-Mitigation grant spent $9,557.50 in the month of July.
3. VFF-FEMA Close out grant received $29,510.51 in grant funds this month.
We spent, $9,692.73.
4. VFF-FEMA Private funds grants spent $8,907.68.
5. UMCOR funds received were $3,465.16 and spent were $10,893.02.
6. United Way/NFL partnership funds received were $4,002.37 spent $260.99.
7. PDA funds received were $2,291.66, spent $761.28.
8. General funds income $1,051.00, expenses $67.50

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

We continue to struggle with computers, our DRD system is eating files causing our reports to be wrong (however rest assured, we counted all files by hand for this report so all numbers are correct.

Also finances have been a struggle, especially monthly expenses. We have secured assistance with the cell phone bills from PDA, but generating income for monthly expenses has been difficult. We have grants, of which two will pay some of our administrative expenses.

Securing funding for future rebuilds is a big challenge, although a grant was submitted to assist with this, it has not yet been approved. More resources need to be looked into for this.

Time management continues to plague Volunteer Coordinator and Executive Director who are putting in well over 50 hours each week (often up to 80) in order to get all requirements met, and still occasionally are late in getting deadlines met. Due to the numerous funders and partners we have there are a number of reports and requests, some at the last minute with immediate deadlines made to us. Finding a way to address these without harming relationships is a challenge.

We are more active in the community with our combined position for Empowerment Alliance and CREW in attending more community meetings and introducing more of the public to our two agencies. We are part of several committees, have been written into EOC plans, and have volunteered in community clean ups and other fairs and festivals to get the word out and be an active part of the communities we serve.

We are working closely with Volunteer Florida Foundation on three different grants, Mitigation, FEMA Close Out and FEMA Close Out for direct assistance. We are using the CAN system and working closely with Red Cross Means to Recovery Program to gain more assistance for our clients.

The UMCOR Case Management System needs to be updated to be more relevant to the area and paperwork streamlined.