Weakley County
Long Term Recovery Group

 

Assisting in the recovery and rebuilding of Dresden, TN community affected by the December 2021 tornado.

Welcome

About WCLTRG

The Weakley County Long Term Recovery Group [WCLTRG] is a cooperative committee that is comprised of representatives from community faith-based groups, local volunteers, and other organizations working to help individuals and families as they recover from disaster. Working in partnership with the United Methodist Committee On Relief [UMCOR] and the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA], the WCLTRG works with disaster survivors to help identify and assist with the recovery efforts for those who were affected by the tornado and storms that took place December 10, 2021.

The purpose of this site is to provide information and resources to survivors of the December 10th tornado.

Moving Toward Recovery

The Mission

The mission of the Weakley County Long Term Recovery Group is to provide recovery services
to individuals and families affected by the December 10, 2021, tornado, in the Weakley County community. Services will be provided regardless of the individuals’ race, creed, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious preference.

The goal of Weakley County Long Term Recovery Group is to partner with survivors impacted by this disaster to assist in their reasonable and equitable recovery.

Getting Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unmet need?

FEMA defines an unmet need as being a deficit between verified disaster-caused damages and obtainable disaster aid, including insurance assistance, Federal and State assistance, and personal resources.  

An unmet need is a disaster-caused immediate need of an individual or family and is something those affected by a disaster cannot meet for themselves. This could include a substantial negative impact on income, housing, vehicle, or household goods. It could also include loss of life or injury.

  • An unmet need is NOT a pre-disaster condition.
  • An unmet need is NOT an ongoing social issue.
  • An unmet need is NOT intended to be an upgrade to a survivor’s previous living condition, although could occur in the reconstruction process in order to provide safe, sanitary, and secure housing.
  • An unmet need is identified by the person affected, verified, and sent through the case management process as agreed upon by the WCLTRG.

If you believe you have an unmet need as a result of the tornadoes that hit Dresden on December 10, 2021, and you haven’t come forward with your need to the WCLTRG, please come forward and self-identify your need – we want to help you: (731) 699-7913.

I have an immediate unmet need. What should I do?

If you have an immediate unmet need as a result of the December 10th tornado, we encourage you to come forward and share it with the WCLTRG. Once validated and approved, your request will be processed and directed through the system to the member of the team designated to partner with you on your need. 

What is case management?

In partnership with FEMA and UMCOR [United Methodist Committee on Relief], the WCLTRG is assembling a case management team that is undergoing placement and training. Individuals who have come forth with unmet needs will be assigned a case manager. The case management process links case managers with individuals and families with services and assistance available to them. More importantly, they can assess and recommend resources that can help stabilize survivors’ lives and livelihoods and move them toward recovery.

Case management involves identifying and reviewing unmet needs. A case manager understands the unique needs of a disaster survivor, whether the needs be social, financial, emotional, or spiritual. Case managers will help identify any additional unmet needs and connect individuals with resources. They work with individuals to ensure that an unmet need is truly a deficit between verified disaster-caused damaged and disaster aid and has undergone complete processing through insurance, federal and state assistance, and personal resources.

I donated to the recovery efforts. Where is my donation?

Whether you donated through a civic, faith-based, or other verfied and legitimate local organization, your donation is in the dedicated account opened for recovery efforts by that specific organization. All money donated for tornado relief is being used to assist survivors. In partnership with UMCOR, FEMA, the United Way of West Tennessee, and local civic and faith-based organizations, funds will be dispersed as authorized by case managers, through the allocations committee, and tracked by the United Way of West Tennessee.

The disbursement of funds and overall recovery efforts seems like it's taking a long time. Why?

Disaster recovery is intensive and extensive, and thusly, very time-consuming. Several hurdles hinder the allocations and disbursement process for survivors. Attaining partnerships, planning, preparation, and extensive training is required to move toward recovery. Multiple teams and channels must be organized to support the efforts. Once all necessary pieces are in place, unmet needs cases can go through the allocations and case management process. Case managers must validate and confirm the need, ensure that all insurance matters have been filed and settled, and any other applicable documentation necessary relative to FEMA directives.

Facilitated through UMCOR, our case management team is currently assembling and undergoing placement and training. While it takes time, the case management process ensures the most equitable situation for all survivors. Case managers are specially trained to define, identify, categorize, and prioritize unmet needs as they pertain to each unique survivor. The methods they follow ensures that every individual is considered and no community member is left without regard.

What is the process for funding an unmet need?

Under the advisement and direction of all partners, the WCLTRG can allocate funding only after an individual/family:

  • Settles with their insurance company
  • Self-identifies the unmet need for the WCLTRG
  • The need is verified, confirmed, and sent through the WCLTRG ‘s allocations process and/or case management

Why can't you fund my unmet need without the allocations process and/or case management?

The mission of the WCLTRG is to ensure the unmet meeds of every survivor receives  fair and equitable consideration. The allocations and case management process ensures the appropriate and responsible use of donated recovery funds. Case managers are specially trained to define, identify, categorize, and prioritize unmet needs as they pertain to each unique survivor. The methods they follow ensures that every individual is considered and no community member is left without regard.

I have an unmet need that I haven't disclosed to the WCLTRG. What should I do?

If you have an unmet need as a result of the tornado that hit Dresden on December 10, 2021, and you haven’t come forward with your need to the WCLTRG, please come forward and self-identify your need. The entire purpose of the Weakley County Long Term Recovery Group is to help you: (731) 699-7913.

Here When You Need It

Disaster Resources & Assistance Links

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United Way of West Tennessee

The United Way works with emergency management, disaster partners and our community to support services for families affected.
UNITED WAY OF WEST TN WEBSITE
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Tennessee USDA Farm Service Agency

This important organization helps producers recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters.
TN FARM SERVICE AGENCY WEBSITE
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Disability Rights Tennessee

This nonprofit organization provides free legal services to protect the rights of Tennessee residents with disabilities. Call toll free: 1-800-342-1660
DISABILITY RIGHTS TENNESSEE WEBSITE
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Veteran County Service Office

The Veteran County Service Office can assist veterans and/or their family members who need information or assistance.
VETERAN COUNTY SERVICE OFFICE WEBSITE
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Disaster Legal Services

Residents with legal issues due to the December 10th tornadoes can call 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486) or reach out to attorneys online by visiting the website:
DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES WEBSITE
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United Methodist Committee On Relief

UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters to alleviate suffering and to be a source of help and hope for those left most vulnerable. They help provide relief, response and long-term recovery grants when these events overwhelm a community’s ability to recover. UMCOR also provides technical support and training for partners to address emerging and ongoing issues related to disaster relief, recovery, and long-term health and development.
UMCOR WEBSITE

On The Same Team

We’re Stronger Together

A storm that completely changed the landscape of our community in a matter of minutes will take years to rebuild. To do it right, we need to stick together.  Let’s stand united for the greatest good and work side by side to rebuild our beautiful community together. We are stronger together: we must all remain patient, trust the process, and help however we can – whenever we can.

The WCLTRG is made up of volunteers who are working to serve survivors as efficiently, equitably, and appropriately as possible. The WCLTRG’s volunteers have an unwavering responsibility to equitably assist all survivors in partnership with community members, elected and appointed leadership, and programming partners.

There will be many important opportunities to help our friends and neighbors. Stay up-to-date by visiting our Facebook page.

Our Team

Weakley County Long Term Recovery Group Members

WCLTRG Members

  • Justin Crice, Co-Chair
  • Alisha Melton, Co-Chair & Allocations Chair
  • Joyce Washington, Secretary
  • Sherryl McCulley, Treasurer
  • Bobby Goode, Donations Coordinator
  • Will Norrid, Spiritual/Emotional Needs Chair
  • Hannah Alexander, Communications Chair

Ex-Officio Members

  • Misti Pequignot, Program Coordinator
  • Jason Hypes, EMS/Gov Liaison
  • Mark Maddox, City of Dresden Mayor
  • Jake Bynum, Weakley County Mayor
  • Robert Craig, UMCOR Consultant
  • Elizabeth Soard, UMCOR Case Management Supervisor
  • Michael Creasy, West Tennessee Legal Aid
  • Nora Betancourt, FEMA Consultant
  • Yvonne Antonio-Wilson, FEMA Consultant
  • Matt Marshall, United Way of West TN Director
  • Megan Houston, United Way of West TN Rep
  • Alayne Chapman, American Red Cross Consultant
  • Chris McGreevy, American Red Cross Consultant
  • Noelle Pollack, American Red Cross Community Recovery Specialist
  • Pastor Morgan Gordy, Lutheran Disaster Response Southeastern Synod
  • Jeff Lysycztn, Lutheran Disaster Response Southeastern Synod
  • Beth Smith, Lutheran Disaster Response Southeastern Synod

Reach Out

Contact Us

WEAKLEY COUNTY
LONG TERM RECOVERY GROUP 

8250 Highway 22
Dresden, TN  38225

RECOVERY CENTER HOURS:

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday
*Hours are subject to change as community needs change.*

Phone: (731) 699-7913

Contact Us