SMYRNA, DE: The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) proudly highlights the work of the Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD) over the past year. For their dedication to providing help to Delawareans in need, DEVOAD members Martin Brett and Ellen Udovich were honored with the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award during a virtual ceremony on February 24th, 2022.
The DEVOAD 2021 Year in Review was recently published and includes details of their many accomplishments.
DEVOAD consists of locally based organizations and local representatives of national organizations who provide services that strengthen the capability of the State to respond to communities affected by disaster. DEVOAD has been a critical partner of DEMA and the State of Delaware throughout 2021 by providing the following assistance:
Hurricane Ida
- Hot meals
- Mental health services
- Muck and gut and debris removal services for damaged residences
- Assistance with the formation of the Eleventh Street Bridge Community Long Term Recovery Group
In addition to their work helping the flood survivors, DEVOAD was awarded two grants to cover the costs of their response efforts following the devasting tornado damage stemming from Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020. Teams of DEVOAD volunteers spent weekends clearing debris for affected homeowners.
““DEVOAD has prepared for years to build a team to assist the comminutes post disaster. Over the last year they have been instrumental in providing direct services to survivors. We proudly support their work and congratulate them on these much-deserved awards.”” says DEMA Director A.J. Schall. “DEVOAD leadership is proud of the contribution our members have made to disaster response efforts statewide” says Toby French, Chair of the DEVOAD.
Anyone who wishes to join or contribute to the DEVOAD can find more information on their website and in this video.
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Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.