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The weekend of March 14, a tornado and severe thunderstorms damaged homes
and businesses in our region.
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta held a conference of community and faith-based organizations, government
agencies, neighborhood associations and concerned businesses on Wednesday, March 19.
More than 100 people from over 65 organizations discussed the scope of damage caused by tornadoes and storms
this weekend. Updates on the impact of the storms were shared by the American Red Cross, Central Atlanta
Progress, The Georgia World Congress Center, Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster and NPU-L
representatives. The City of Atlanta, Salvation Army of Atlanta, Hands on Atlanta, GEMA, Regional Council
of Churches, FEMA, Senior Connections and United Way 2-1-1 exchanged information about services and supports
that are currently available.
Based on the discussion, a focused approach to helping people who have been affected will be implemented.
United Way will coordinate information, bring together community expertise, and work with our partners to
determine the long-term needs and implement a response.
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Updates included:
- As of March 18, the Red Cross estimates 1,738 homes were affected.
- Many streets in downtown Atlanta have been reopened, but there are few that will remain closed as crews
continue to clean and make the area safe.
- First responders have been working in the affected areas since midnight on Friday, March 14, and are
continuing to support residents.
- Personal stories from residents of Vine City and Cabbagetown as well as employees from affected businesses
were given.
Conference participants expressed the desire for United Way to continue in the leadership role of convening
the community as it did during Hurricane Katrina.
Resources:
- Notes from the conference (pdf)
- Services currently available (pdf)
- Assessment form from Volunteers Active in Disasters (VOAD) (doc)
- Click here for news updates.
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