Dear Centers for Independent Living, SILCs, and IL Associations:
As Texas continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and our Southeastern states prepare for the impact of Hurricane Irma, the National Council on Independent Living, through its Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee, stands ready, willing, and able to assist you in whatever way we can. Please know that our thoughts remain with all those affected by Harvey in Texas and that we are aware the recovery will be a lengthy process. We have been in contact members in Texas and pledged our assistance and support now and in the coming years. We offer the same support and assistance to the states in the path of Hurricane Irma. Our thoughts are with you in the coming days and we hope that all remain safe and unharmed.
In the aftermath of the storm, NCIL Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee members can be available by phone to make calls and / or coordinate resources on the ground for you. We are in close contact with agencies and organizations that are available to assist, including the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC) with FEMA, Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies, and the Red Cross. NCIL is represented on local and national stakeholder calls hosted by the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies and will host calls themselves among CILs in any state, if needed. The NCIL Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee has members throughout the country who are ready and willing to help.
We are learning that it is often a week or longer before a CIL can tell us what their needs may be. We will be in contact with CIL and SILC staff next week to check on their wellbeing and then discuss how we might be of assistance in the future. In the meantime however, please feel free to call Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee Chairperson Christy Dunaway (Mississippi) at 601-506-6454 or Co-Chair Todd Holloway (Washington) at 253-826-1287 if you have questions or need assistance.
NCIL Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee Members
