Deadline looms for flood victims

By: 
Charley Najacht
The deadline is rapidly approaching for those Aug. 2 flood victims who still want to get their names on the list for assistance. 
A Nov. 20 deadline to apply for this assistance was set at the Nov. 7 meeting of the Custer County Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG). Deadline for filling out paperwork is Nov. 27.
Those who have not yet met with a disaster case manager should contact Disaster Case Management Committee chair Pastor Pam Power at 701-955-5282 to set up an appointment. So far, 13 of the 24 families affected by the flood have filled out paperwork that will get the ball rolling the first part of next month.
“People are saying they don’t want to take money from others who may need it more,” Power said. She said determining needs and setting priorities is what case managers will do and urged those people to apply.
It was pointed out that mold could be a issue that should be reported because it could be a possible health  problem in the future for young children or the elderly.
Power said several people affected by the flood have already done repairs and replaced appliances and furniture damaged by the water.
They will be eligible for assistance from the $16,800 already collected locally and from donations still coming in and grants being applied for. An additional $700-$800 raised in a Custer senior Haunted House project will be donated to the fund, according to LTRG committee chair Jill Kettle.
The three assigned case managers will meet with families to gather additional information on their needs. That will be followed by a construction needs assessment by Construction Management Committee members Bob Reich and Keith Glover.
As many materials as possible will be purchased from local businesses. Several area volunteer church construction teams have indicated a willingness to help with repairs.
Bambi Graham was added to the Public Relations/Communication Committee. She has been updating the Custer Clean Facebook page and is communicating with flood families.   

User login