CDRC Launches “Cumberland Strong” For Hurricane Florence Recovery

CDRC Launches “Cumberland Strong” For Hurricane Florence Recovery

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C.  – Today the Cumberland Disaster Recovery Coalition (CDRC) launches “Cumberland Strong” (www.CumberlandStrong.com) as residents and businesses begin the recovery process following Hurricane Florence.  CDRC was established in 2011 and was active in 2016 with Hurricane Matthew. CDRC is a coalition of community partners.  A list of the partners can be found here – http://cdrcnc.wpengine.com/our-program-donors-and-partners.

Cumberland Strong is an initiative so we as a community can stand together to rebuild and recover after Hurricane Florence.  The Cumberland Strong website provides a “clearing house” for people to provide donations (both items and monetary ones) and to volunteer.  All monetary donations are through the Cumberland Community Foundation and will go directly to local nonprofits that aid in assistance. More importantly, Cumberland Strong will also provide a source for residents that need help as they transition back to their homes.  This includes basic provisions like food, toiletries and cleaning supplies. Local businesses and non-profits that want to serve as a collection point can coordinate with CDRC. The CDRC will get the supplies back to the multiple collection points that will be set up across Cumberland County so that these items can be distributed to residents in need.

“CDRC is stepping forward to help coordinate agencies with the early stages of the recovery and provide the transitional help as the shelters begin to close” said Carmen Arbogast, Unmet Needs Coordinator & Program Director for the CDRC.  She added, “The CDRC identified this as a gap of assistance during Hurricane Matthew and the coalition of agencies is working to ensure our residents have what they need at this critical time.”

CDRC will eventually transition to long term recovery as they did with Hurricane Matthew with case workers to help with post FEMA claims and other recovery and rebuild activities.  CDRC has established relationship with many out of town support agencies based on the work during Hurricane Matthew and are working to coordinate those efforts for this storm recovery.

About CDRC.  The Cumberland Disaster Recovery Coalition (CDRC) is a long-term recovery group (LTRG) that formed as a result of the April 2011 tornado event in Cumberland County.  It is a 501c3 and is a representation of nonprofits, faith-based and charitable organizations working together to meet the unmet needs of Cumberland County residents affected by State and Federally declared disasters. The CDRC works in collaboration with other organizations to assess the needs, offer resources and ensure that residents are helped after all personal insurance, SBA loans, and FEMA help have been exhausted.