Focuses on Local Disaster Preparedness
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Long-Term Recovery Organization (LTRO) held a meeting last month to discuss local preparations and recovery for pending disasters.
LTRO/VOAD is a coalition of non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, government agencies and community partners dedicated to providing a coordinated disaster response and recovery efforts.
Organizations participating included Saint Anastasia Catholic Church, St Johns Housing Partnership, St. Johns County Legal Aid, Informed by Data, LLC, Rebuild Florida, St Johns County Housing & Community Development. Endeavors Florida Green Building Coalition, , United Methodist Church , Putnam County VOAD. Church of Jesus Christ LDS, Catholic Charities, Team Rubicon, American Red Cross, Homeless Coalition, Prevention Coalition, Wildflower Clinic, Habitat for Humanity, Eldersource and host United Way.
The meeting preceded National Preparedness Month (NPM).
NPM is observed each September to raise awareness about steps individuals, families and communities can take to be ready for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is Prepare to Protect and highlights how preparing for disaster helps protect everyone you love.
“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to preparing for disasters and emergencies,” said LTRO Coordinator Gina Birmingham.
LTRO/VOAD membership provides the ability to tap into shared resources and being connected to donations and funding opportunities. This holistic approach reduces duplication of services and offers a strong mechanism to respond to disasters with cohesion and coordination.
Their mission is to foster a more efficient and effective disaster response through collaboration, communication, and cooperation among member organizations and the community.
Founded in 2015, St. Johns County VOAD/LTRO has been at the forefront of disaster response in the community. They have grown to include 48 organizations, each bringing unique skills and resources to a collective effort. Membership is open to members of the community.
For more information visit www.ltrostjohns.org or call (904) 826-9459.
