East Montgomery Times

County of Montgomery issued the following announcement on Sept. 14.

The Montgomery County Commissioners are pleased to announce the creation of the Montco Emergency Disaster Relief Fund hosted by the Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. All donations to this fund will support non-profit agencies serving Montgomery County individuals and families impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Funds can be used to support housing, food, gasoline, and household needs such as cleaning products, hygiene products, bedding, towels, and clothing.  

“We thank the anonymous donor who today contributed the first $10,000 to the fund, and we hope this encourages others to give,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Anyone who has the ability to give is encouraged to do so to support our most vulnerable residents. This fund will deliver vital financial support to help our communities recover from the impacts of Ida.”

Through a Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA has made individual assistance funding available to those who apply and meet eligibility criteria. However, additional funds are needed now to support displaced individuals and families to be safely housed, adequately fed, obtain needed transportation to schools and jobs and cover expenses to maintain themselves until aid arrives.  

“Many of our residents have immediate needs that are being supported by nonprofit agencies on the ground in our communities. This fund was created to support that important work,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “We thank everyone for their support and encourage anyone who can give to contribute.”

Contributors can donate to the Montco Emergency Disaster Relief Fund through the following ways: 

• Donate online
• Text GIVE or DONATE to (610) 600-1764  
• Donate by check, mail to: The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., 4 Sentry Parkway East, Suite 302, Blue Bell, PA, 19422

Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. 

Residents who have been impacted by Ida are encouraged to visit www.montcopa.org/Ida for the latest disaster recovery information. The website provides updated information on applying for FEMA assistance and SBA loans, information about shelter and housing, free transportation options, and more.

Media Contacts: Kelly Cofrancisco, kcofrancisco@montcopa.org

Original source can be found here.