Exclusively for the Herald
SAVANNAH – United Way of the Coastal Empire has expanded the Rapid Response Disaster Fund to all four counties, including Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty. These funds will provide critical assistance and recovery support to affected residents throughout the region.
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby, residents across the coastal region are facing significant challenges due to widespread flooding and storm damage. Homes have been damaged and many families have been left homeless. The impact of the storm has left communities in urgent need of support as they navigate the rebuilding process. In response to this crisis, the United Way of the Coastal Empire has activated its Rapid Response Disaster Fund to provide immediate assistance to those affected and ensure vital resources and assistance reach the most vulnerable populations during this critical time.
In 2023, United Way of the Coastal Empire launched a formal partnership with emergency management agencies in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties to support emergency disaster response. Each county emergency management agency will determine when the Rapid Response Disaster Fund is needed and should be activated. United Way’s role in this partnership is to lead fundraising for disaster relief and response.
On August 8, the Chatham County Emergency Management Agency activated the Rapid Response Disaster Fund for Chatham County. After damage was assessed in Bryan, Effingham and Liberty counties, the respective county emergency management agencies also activated the Rapid Response Disaster Fund.
United Way will remain in close contact with all of our partners in the county to ensure coordinated efforts. Funds will be allocated throughout the community for short-term relief efforts and long-term recovery efforts as determined necessary by county emergency management authorities based on damage and needs assessments.
“At United Way of the Coastal Empire, we know the flooding has greatly impacted families and households throughout our community. We are ready to help,” says Kimberly Waller, President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Through this partnership, our mission is to harness the caring power of our community by raising money to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors impacted by the storm and associated flooding, and to support the long-term recovery of our community.”
Donations to the Rapid Response Disaster Fund can be made by clicking on the United Way of the Coastal Empire website at uwce.org.
resources
- If you have an emergency, call 911.
- If a downed power line is spotted, do not approach it. Residents should call 911 and notify Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Effingham County residents should report damage caused by TS Debby by calling or emailing the hotline established for this event. Please include your name, address, and phone number. Call 912-754-8311 or email [email protected].
- Residents affected by the storm can contact United Way’s 211 information and referral system for important resources and information by calling 2-1-1, emailing [email protected] or visiting the United Way website at uwce.org/211.
