Web Site Set Up To Support North Dakota's Long Term Recovery From Widespread Spring Flooding

Press Release

Web Site Set Up To Support North Dakota's Long Term Recovery From Widespread Spring Flooding

Gov. John Hoeven and the State Department of Emergency Services today joined federal officials, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) and the Aidmatrix Foundation to announce the establishment of a donation and volunteer Web site. The site supports long term recovery for individuals and communities in North Dakota impacted by spring 2009 flooding. People are encouraged to visit www.nd.gov/des/donations/. The site gives people the ability to submit donation information 24-hours a day or to offer their volunteer services for recovery efforts.

"North Dakotans have fought a brave battle against flooding, and continue to do so. We owe the volunteers, members of the National Guard, state, local, and federal officials and employees a sincere thank you," Hoeven said. "The potential for flooding still exists in areas of our state, and in the coming weeks, we will know more about the extent of the flooding damage. This Web site is a valuable tool for supporting communities across our state in their recovery."

The National Donations Management Network site is provided free through the federal government and partner organizations to states affected by disasters. North Dakota is the 14th state to use the Web-based system in response to a disaster.

People can specify the organization(s) they wish to receive their undesignated cash donations. Donors can also enter information about the type and amount of donated goods or services. Approved organizations involved in disaster response and recovery in North Dakota can review and accept offers.

"The idea is to reduce paperwork and focus on relief efforts so communities and individuals with unmet needs can be helped more quickly," said Sarah Werner, Citizen Corp Coordinator for the North Dakota League of Cities and VOAD officer.

According to Werner, donations will be matched with unmet needs in communities across the state. She said a Donations Coordination Team comprised of representatives from state agencies and VOAD will administer the donations and volunteer offers.

There are no administrative fees associated with the donation and volunteer management Web site.

Individuals who do not have Internet access, but who wish to donate their time and talent or resources can call the state's nation-wide toll free Flood Recovery Line at 1-877-422-0062. The Web site and nationwide toll free line are not intended to replace local donation and volunteer management efforts.

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