When disaster comes, what if:

We had a plan?  We knew what others were doing?  We were networked and organized to respond?

On June 20th, 58 citizens representing 18 voluntary and community organizations met to form the Montgomery Area Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or Montgomery Area VOAD.

A VOAD is a network that brings together all organizations (voluntary, faith-based, churches, non-profit, governmental, civic, medical community, and others) that take a role in meeting the needs of people impacted by a disaster. Our consortium of voluntary and community organizations is committed to providing effective, efficient and compassionate service to those imperiled or impacted by disaster.

The National VOAD has proven that VOADs foster cooperation, coordination, communication, and collaboration between all associated organizations responding to disaster.

We started a local VOAD because it will be community based and community sensitive, able to mobilize quickly and on the scene even before disaster declaration.

All disasters are local and local voluntary/faith based organizations are the First to Arrive and Last to Leave in providing vital services to people in need - and they are committed to stay until recovery is complete.

Montgomery area churches, faith-based groups, agencies and organizations that respond in time of individual need are encouraged to join the VOAD.  Open the attached file for a membership application and survey form.

Montgomery Area VOAD is a community team that is committed to make a positive difference in the lives of survivors and evacuees.

The Montgomery Area has been a traditional destination for hurricane evacuees. Until Hurricane Katrina came we would open up shelters for three or four days and then our visitors would go back home and life would return to normal for us. Of course, we had a few interruptions when Hurricanes Opal and Ivan came, but hosting a few hundred evacuees was the typical way of hurricanes for Montgomery.

Hurricane Katrina broke the mold. More than 4,000 evacuees came to the Montgomery area and stayed for a very long time - many are still with us and some have even made Montgomery their new home. As we look ahead to this year’s expected storm season we know we must prepare to receive evacuees again, likely in large numbers again. We will have shelters, hotels and motels. The VOAD is bringing together the givers and helpers to create a mosaic of response. Networked and communicating together we will work together to give an even better welcome to our visitors this year.

Who Are We?

With a grant from the McCormick Tribune Foundation, we were able to begin organizing in April. Leaders from Family Guidance Center, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Frazer Church, EMA, DHR, Volunteer & Information Center, and United Way developed a vision, a strategy, and a plan. Our structure and operations are based on the National VOAD model. The first general meeting of the VOAD was on June 20th. Below are the organizations which have applied to join the VOAD, thus far. Numerous others are processing the applications with their various boards. Voting members are non-profit organizations; government and business partners are non-voting members.     

Montgomery Area
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)

c/o Family Guidance Center of Alabama
2358 Fairlane Drive
Montgomery, AL 36116
(334) 270-4100 ext 261
(334) 270-4104 fax

Dr. Walter White – Interim President
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Doug Cairns - VOAD Coordinator
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(334) 233-2224 cellular

Interim Board of Directors:

Local Montgomery Links

·     EMA – Montgomery City/County
www.ema.ci.montgomery.al.us

·     City of Montgomery
www.montgomery.al.us

·     American Red Cross of Central Al
www.montgomeryarc.org

·     Family Guidance Center of AL
www.familyguidancecenter.org

·     Volunteer & Information Center
www.volunteer-info.org

Alabama Links

·     Governor’s Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives
www.servealabama.gov

·     Alabama State Website
www.alabama.gov

·     AL Emergency Mgt Agency
www.ema.alabama.gov

·     AL Dept. of Homeland Security
www.dhs.alabama.gov

·     State Emergency Operations Plan
www.ema.alabama.gov/misc/

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