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CISA Emergency Farm Fund

This week, CISA and partners launched the CISA Emergency Farm Fund, a revolving loan fund designed to help farmers recover from Hurricane Irene. The Fund will offer quick, zero-interest loans to assist farmers and farm businesses in the aftermath of the storm and flooding. Thanks to an anonymous donor who has put up a $50K match, CISA hopes to raise at least $100K for the fund, which will help farmers now and in the future. CISA’s partners, Whole Foods Market, Equity Trust, and the anonymous...

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Massachusetts Farm Disaster Recovery Fund established

Severe weather this summer brought devastation to many Massachusetts farms. Making a bad situation worse, hundred year flooding from Tropical Storm Irene washed away farmlands, farms, livelihoods, families, and in some cases large chunks of rural communities. Coping with a tragedy of this magnitude demands a full court press. The Commonwealth’s agricultural community has reacted swiftly to this tragedy and established the Massachusetts Farm Disaster Recovery Fund, a charitable initiative...

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Rebuild Springfield

Springfield Residents Urged to Show up and Be Heard at Neighborhood and Citywide Meetings Rebuild Springfield Planning Meetings begin week of October 11 Springfield, Mass., October 6, 2011-Rebuild Springfield, an initiative of DevelopSpringfield and the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, kicks into high gear with the first series of three neighborhood meetings during the week of October 10th, followed by a citywide meeting on Saturday morning, October 15th. Residents and stakeholders are...

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Farming in the Valley Post-Irene; Update from CISA

  It’s not yet clear what disaster assistance may be available to farmers and even when it is, how much of their losses will be covered. We are regularly updating our post-Irene information page for farmers. If you would like to contribute, see here for a list of funds that may provide some help to some farmers.   Despite the damage to farms in low-lying areas, most farms in the region have a bounty of crops available. Even many farms that flooded only lost crops in some fields....

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NEW COALITION SEEKS GOOD JOBS IN TORNADO RESPONSES

PRESS RELEASE: Springfield area community and labor leaders from fourteen organizations have formed the Community-Labor Rebuilding Coalition to focus on good jobs for local workers as part of the planning and projects in response to the June tornados, and beyond. The Coalition advocates for local people to get jobs with good pay and benefits, doing work that the community needs, with solid long-term community benefits.  Coalition members have attended Citizen Advisory Council meetings, are...

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Nuestras Raices: Irene Aftermath

On August 26, our farm was destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The level of the Connecticut River rose and flooded our farmer incubator site and youth garden with water potentially contaminated with e.Coli and mercury.  We host 13 migrant and refugee farmers that cultivate specialty crops from the caribbean and many of their plants used for seed saving were destroyed as well. Our plan of action includes testing the site and pursuing disaster relief funds.  We are also trying to...

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Funnel Your Energy – Volunteer Registration

Rebuilding Together Springfield and TD Bank are joining forces during a special five-day event in October to repair 25 homes that were damaged during the June 1 tornadoes. We are now registering volunteers for this event. We need people who can help repair roofs, install siding and windows, paint trim, remove debris, and many other tasks. You don’t need to be a skilled builder, just have a willingness to pitch in and help! In addition, we will need people to set up and serve a light...

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VT Irene Flood Relief Fund

Through a member-owner at the River Valley Co-op we have learned of a fund administered by Central Vermont Community Action Council, aimed at providing direct support to people whose small businesses were damaged or destroyed by Irene flooding. Vermont was still recovering from spring flooding when Irene’s destruction hit; any help we can offer to our neighbors to the north will be welcomed. Visit the fund website or send a donation to VT Irene FRF, 7 Walker Terrace, Montpelier, VT...

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CDF Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund

The Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) has launched a Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund. The fund will direct tax-deductible contributions specifically to individuals and coperative businesses along the East Coast and throughout New England who have experienced losses. The fund will also seek to assist organic farmers who are prime suppliers to food cooperatives. The fund’s first contributions included $5,000 from the National Consumer Cooperative Bank and $5,000 from the National...

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IMPORTANT STORM INFO – Disaster Recovery Center

Please pass the word along to anyone who may be affected by the storm that the Disaster Recovery Center is opening tomorrow at the Green River School on Meridian Street in Greenfield. Anyone who has suffered ANY kind of loss should register. The Center will be open Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm You can also register online or by phone. 800-621-3362 www.DisasterAssistance.gov Here is a link for more info: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=57663 The deadline to register is...

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Funnel Your Energy For Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding 25 Homes in 5 Days Saturday, October 1 to Wednesday, October 5, 2011 Rebuilding Together Springfield and TD Bank are joining forces during a special five-day event in October to repair 25 homes that were damaged in the June 1 tornadoes. Volunteers from throughout the region, including 100 TD Bank volunteers, will repair roofs and chimneys, reinstall siding and windows, and make other repairs for low-income homeowners who have inadequate or no home insurance and who would otherwise...

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Rebuilding Together Tornado Recovery Fundraiser!

Tues, July 26, 2011  6:00 – 8:00 pm Max’s Tavern at the Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield$20 per person Join us at Max’s Tavern for a delightful evening of food and music to support Rebuilding Together as we continue to provide assistance to the survivors of the Springfield tornadoes. Enjoy appetizers provided by Max’s Tavern (cash bar) and music performed by violinists Ann-Marie Messbauer, faculty member at the Community Music School and Josh Schupack of Springfield...

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FEMA Training

Attend a FEMA Training for Volunteers from Nonprofits Who Want to Assist Tornado Survivors, including: volunteer management when repairing or rebuilding homes; case management organization; how organizations can work with FEMA around confidentiality avoiding duplication of benefits; caregiver and Pastoral Spiritual and Emotional care for survivors of disaster; donations management for stuff; and coordinating for financial donations.   July 19, 2011 in Springfield, MARichard B. Flynn Campus...

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USDA to help remove tornado debris from Springfield and Monson rivers and streams

PRESS RELEASE – AMHERST, Mass. (July 14, 2011) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has approved up to $657,000 in federal funds for removal of trees and other debris deposited by the June 1st tornados in rivers and streams in Springfield and Monson. The funds are being provided to the City of Springfield and Town of Monson through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, administered by NRCS. The agency is also...

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Tornado Victim Support Forum held by EarthThrives supporter Karen Nolen

These support forums will be on each Wednesday of this month of July 2011.   They will be presented conveniently right after most people’s work days from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Counseling and Gynecology Group in Longmeadow at: 175 Dwight, Suite 103 in Longmeadow.  This will be for folks who’ve been affected in any way, to include vicariously, the shock of weather changes that could actually now effect US, those directly affected and caregivers and responders.  What we tend to...

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Tornadosurvivors.org Message

Visit tornadosurvivors.org for more info and to watch/listen to video testimonials from Springfield residents who lost their homes in the June 1 tornado.  These evacuees need our support. The Red Cross intends to cut off motel vouchers for tornado survivors in Springfield on Wednesday, July 6.  They said they’ll only offer extensions on a case-by-case basis. Update below**   Many tornado survivors haven’t received FEMA checks, the Red Cross has closed the emergency shelter, and...

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Union Community Fund Established For Tornado Disaster Relief Efforts

Labor in the Community – Help Needed With Tornado Disaster Relief On June 1, hundreds, if not thousands, of our friends and neighbors suffered life-changing setbacks as a result of the tornadoes that devastated vast areas of Western and Central Massachusetts. To help ease the financial burden of these families during this unfortunate time, the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO’s charitable organization, the Union Community Fund, is launching a special Tornado Disaster Relief effort. Please...

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Long Term Disaster Recovery, Putting the pieces Together

Long Term Recovery members attending this meeting will participate in creating a dynamic functional group that will step up the recovery process for survivors with unmet needs.  We will create a mission statement that will sets the tone for how we will operate leaning on the talents, abilities and functions of the agencies and organizations participating. In this session we will share how donated material and funds can be allocated to help the most in need. Organizations will leave this...

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Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. Announces Emergency Homeowners Loan Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 24, 2011 – The U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a new program for homeowners who are at least 90 days late on their mortgage, as of June 1, 2011 unemployed or working fewer hours because of the economy or a medical condition. The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (EHLP) can provide eligible homeowners with assistance to pay off arrearages AND help pay a portion of your monthly mortgage for up to two years or up to $50,000. Interested...

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July’s Valley Wellness Night to benefit Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society

July’s Valley Wellness Night to benefit Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society

On Friday, July 15th from 6:00-9:00pm during the second Valley Wellness night healing practitioners will raise funds for Dakin, which was effected by the recent tornado. Don’t forget that this Sunday, July 3rd, is INTER-dependence Day Community Healing for Tornado Victims from 12-5 at the West Springfield Town Hall Auditorium (26 Central St. West Springfield, MA) for a day of community healing and support. Healing arts practitioners from various modalities (massage, reiki, acupuncture,...

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Hospitality Workers Rally for Western Massachusetts Tornado Relief

Date: June 27, 2011Time: 6:00-10:00 PMWhere: Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, HolyokeDonation: $20 All proceeds will benefit the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund. Make the most of your night off. Have a great time at a fun event just for hospitality and tourism industry workers and support the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund in their efforts to help people in our community who were hit hard by the June 1st tornado.   More Ways You Can Help! Pioneer Valley Chapter...

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Tornado displaced two First Generation families

Tornado displaced two First Generation families

PRESS RELEASE: First Generation to use all donations between now and July 15th for the aid of two displaced first generation members and their families. UPDATE** and more information below… Dear First Generation, Performance Project Friends, Families and Colleagues: We are joining forces with Boston poet Charles Coe to put out a call for support for two of our First Generation members and their families. They shared a home that was destroyed by the recent tornado in Springfield. BETWEEN...

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DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS

Please read more for information onFEMA ASSISTANCEDISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCEDISASTER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE (D-SNAP)DISASTER LEGAL SERVICESIRS DISASTER RELIEF   FEMA ASSISTANCE FEMA provides assistance with housing needs and non-housing needs. Money is available to rent temporary housing, to repair damage to primary residences that is not covered by insurance, and to replace a primary residence destroyed by the disaster that is not covered by insurance. Money is also available...

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ASISTENCIA DE DESASTRE PARA INDIVIDUOS

FEMA ASISTENCIA DE DESASTRE AYUDA DE DESEMPLEO EN CASOS DE  DESASTRESASISTENCIA SUPLEMENTARIA DE NUTRICION  EN CASOS DE DESASTRES (D-SNAP)SERVICIOS JURÍDICOS  EN CASOS DE DESASTRESALIVIO ECONOMICO   PARA DAMNIFICADOS A CAUSA DE UN DESASTRE – IRS FEMA ASISTENCIA DE DESASTRE FEMA ofrece asistencia con las necesidades de vivienda y las necesidades de no-vivienda. El dinero es disponible para alquilar una vivienda temporal, para reparar los daños a residencias primarias que no está cubierto...

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Union Volunteers Pitch in to Help Tornado Victims Through Union Community Fund

PRESS RELEASE: Wed, 06/08/2011 – 7:01pm One week after severe tornadoes struck the Western Massachusetts region, thousands of families struggle to clean up their ravaged properties and piece their homes and lives back together. The Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO, through its non-profit charitable arm, the Union Community Fund, has tapped into the energy of the collectivist spirit of its unions and union members to pitch in and help. “This is what unions are all about, picking our brothers...

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River Valley Market will donate 5% of sales on June 22

River Valley Market will donate 5% of sales on June 22

The co-op will donate 5% of our sales on June 22 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Tornado Response effort. This will include sales at the Strawberry Ice Cream Social that evening, and we will also accept cash donations for the Food Bank’s Tornado Response at the Social. **UPDATE**They raised more than $3,000! Last Wednesday, June 22nd, River Valley market pledged to donate 5% of the day’s sales, including sales from our 3rd Annual Strawberry Ice Cream Social, to the Food...

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Donations Needed for Tornado Victims: Info on How and What to Donate

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield requests donations of the following items to help those who have lost their homes and possessions during the recent tornadoes in our area. Household Items:LampsPots and PansDishesLinensFlatwareBlanketsCupsGlassware TowelsSmall KitchenAppliances Toiletries Toiletries for adults and childrenClothing – Spring/Summer clothing (all sizes and genders, including undergarments and sleepwear) Baby Needs: Diapers Baby Food Formula Non-perishable...

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Springfield Volunteers needed: Please Bring Pickup Trucks, Chainsaws, A Day of your time

(From Lisa Hoag) “Hello Western Mass neighbors, Though I live an hour north of Springfield, I have sung in a gospel choir in Springfield for 10 years. through the churches, I have met many kind and wonderful people in Springfield. Now our neighbors need our help from all our family of Western Mass communities. On Sunday, I was in touch with a deacon who, although he has had a stroke, and is not supposed to lift anything heavy, has moved 12 families in 24 hours. He got involved when he...

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INTER-dependence day community healing for tornado victims

(Sent out by Kristin Avonti of Be Karma in Northampton, MA) “When tragedy like this hits home, it affects ALL of us. From those who lost something, or everything, to those who lost their life. From the emergency and relief workers who give of themselves endlessly, to those who stand in shock, unable to move. From those who feel the call to action to rise up and be part of the healing, to those who think they will never feel safe again.   The destruction I have seen in the aftermath of...

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