Program Success September 2008 | Page 5

The Director of Brevard County Emergency Management, Bob Lay updated the community on the current status of emergency response, both in regards to immediate assistance such as food, water, shelter, and long term assistance from FEMA $ for home repairs. Director Lay told the res- Pastor Harvey Riley, Mt Moriah Baptist Church idents that FEMA $ had been approved by the President for local governments. That means that the road and drainage repairs can begin. He also said that the FEMA $ for individual assistance has not been approved yet. As soon as it is approved folks can begin applying at the Disaster Recovery Center soon to be located at Grant Street Park. The current estimate for damage in Brevard County is $58 million. Other officials present were the Mayor of Palm Bay, John Mazziotti, Director of Palm Bay Public Works, Jim Proce, President of United Way, Rob Rains, Melinda Thomas, Melbourne Housing and Community Development and H.L Melvin, Regional Director of Department of Children and Families. The officials gave the residents information on where to get the help they needed and answered questions regarding their concerns about current and future drainage problems. Jim Proce (Director Palm Bay PubEmergency Management Director Bob Lay lic Works) committed to work with residents and resolve their drainage concerns. Issues were also raised about ongoing drainage problems in Gramling Park (Melbourne) and Pastor Riley suggested that those residents speak with CCA Leaders after the meeting. Pastor Riley asked if everyone got the information and help that they needed. He said that if anyone needed food or other immediate assistance they could speak to him afterwards. The meeting was closed with prayer by Pastor Riley. Note: the CCA office received a call this afternoon (8/26/08) notifying us that the individual FEMA money has been approved. Folks can call 1-800-621-FEMA Call Lestine For All Your Insurance Needs Allstate Insurance 4008 NW 22nd Drive,Gainesville, Florida 32605 (352) 377-3506 (352) 377-2417 Fax [email protected] www.agentallstate.com/lestineford The Christian Reader September 2008 On August 25, 2008, over 150 residents from Melbourne and Palm Bay gathered at Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church to hear from Public officials and emergency assistance officials and share concerns about issues in their community due to the flooding from Tropical Storm Fay. Members of Congregations for Community Action led by Pastor Harvey L. Riley planned and executed an emergency meeting for residents who have been and are still being affected by the recent flooding. The purpose of the meeting was to make sure that everyone affected by the storm got the information and help that they needed. 5 Public Officials Listen to Concerns and Respond to Residents Affected by Damage and Flooding from Tropical Storm Fay at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Harvey L. Riley, Pastor