Disaster Wildfire Assistance Center Opens

JEFFERSON — A Voluntary Organizations Disaster Assistance Center (VODAC) has opened for individuals impacted by the East Texas Wildfires. “Our mission is to coordinate multiple charitable organizations at a central location for families and individuals to come for help,” said Bradley Scott, Community Partnerships Coordinator with American Red Cross. The Center is located at The First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Henderson, Jefferson, Texas. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Charitable organizations and their services include:
American Red Cross — Recovery backpacks, health services, counseling
Marion County Food Bank — Food
Communities Services of NE TX — Housing
Home Depot — Fire sifters
Lone Star Legal Aid — Legalities
Jefferson Housing authority — Housing
1st United Methodist/Jefferson — Furniture, clothing, housewares
St. Vincent de Paul — Clothing
Enon Ministry/Linden — Linens, new pillows, clothing
1st Baptist of Linden — Medications, showers and laundry
Linden United Methodist Churches– Large and small animal shelter, first aid, storage, clean-up, construction crews

“We know people are distraught and don’t know what to do next,” continued Scott. “Our hope is for clients to have a recovery plan in place when they leave the facility to speed the process of rebuilding their lives.
More agencies are needed in Cass and Marion Counties to help meet the unique needs of rural communities, such as: barn storming, property clean-up, tree trimming, well services, construction and etc. Agencies should contact Alicia Toombs, 325-665-7066.