News

April 20, 2010

Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn E. Tierney and Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers honored Southeastern Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (SEPA VOAD) members and other neighborhood agencies that came to the aid of residents during a five-alarm fire at the Austin Manor Apartments.  The agencies were honored during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, at the Fire Administration Building in Philadelphia.  More than 20 SEPA VOAD members were recognized.  Thanks to their efforts, all of the families families affected by the fire have recently found new residences and are in the process of rebuilding their lives.  To read more, click here.

 

March 30, 2010

The 18th Annual National VOAD Conference: United Waves of Hope and Help will take place May 11-13th, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in Disney world, Orlando, Fl.  The conference gives member agencies the opportunity to attend a variety of disaster related seminars and discussions.  To learn more click here.  To register click here.


February 25, 2010

After 3 months of collaboration between SEPA VOAD partners, a local disaster recovery effort has come to a close.  On November 22, 2009, 41 apartment units were forced to evacuate after a large fire engulfed a building at Austin Manor Apartments in Philadelphia.  SEPA VOAD identified 34 families that were affected and used an effective approach of having churches “adopt” individual families to assist with their needs.  Twenty-five agencies stepped forward to participate in this effort, which assisted 17 families.  This project is closing as families who have found new residences have no remaining needs.  Read more here.


February 5, 2010

Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania/South Jersey-Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is participating in "Buckets of Hope," a project to donate food supplies directly to Haitians in need.  Participants can pack a new and unused bucket full of specified food supplies that will be shipped to Haitian disaster victims.  If you would like to participate, please follow the directions very carefully.  They have specified which foods can be packed and how to pack them so everything fits properly and makes the trip intact.  Please visit this link and read all details very carefully.  Also, this link will take you to a video that shows you how to package items properly.  Buckets that do not meet specifications will not be accepted.

Currently, there is one drop-off point at Bux-Mont Baptist Church at 309 W. County Line Road, Hatboro, PA 19040.  They are looking to secure additional drop-off points in Philadelphia and Coatesville.  If you have additional questions, please contact Joe Hando at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 215-696-9215.