National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership-based organization that builds resiliency in communities nationwide. It serves as the forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle — preparation, response, recovery and mitigation — to help disaster survivors and their communities.
The organization was founded in 1970 in response to the challenges experienced by many disaster organizations following Hurricane Camille, a category 5 storm that hit the Gulf Coast in August, 1969. Up until that time, numerous governmental, private sector and nonprofit organizations served disaster survivors independently of one another. As a result, help came to the survivors haphazardly. People who wanted to volunteer to help their neighbors affected by disaster were often frustrated by the lack of information and training. And survivors often had no idea who to contact for assistance.
Jay Shelton, Chief Financial Officer at Heritage Bank, along with Pastor David Shockey of Hebron Lutheran Church, helped found the Boone County VOAD chapter after the Piner area tornado in 2012. Shelton said the group formed in response to the outpouring of support from area groups and individuals who wanted to help those impacted.
Shelton recently spoke to the members of the Florence Rotary Club about how civic, church, and business groups play an important role as good stewards for our neighborhoods. “Our goal is to coordinate the efforts of disaster organizations and the local community,” said Shelton, “and increase efficiencies in getting resources to where they’re needed most.”
Guided by the core principles of the 4Cs — cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration, the group has focused on disaster readiness and establishing an emergency network. The system was tested on December 2, 2014, when forty people were displaced from the Florence Super 8 motel following a shooting. Said Shelton, “With just a few phone calls, we arranged shelter at St. Timothy Parish, with the Red Cross handling shelter operations. Master Provisions provided clothing, the R.C. Durr YMCA offered shower facilities, and a donation account was opened at Heritage Bank. “
Working closely with Boone County Emergency Management, the Boone County VOAD is fulfilling an important civic duty for our community. Concluded Shelton, “We feel good about our initial response, but now realize what a significant disaster would require from our volunteers and organizations.”
