MISSION STATEMENT
"Meeting the unmet needs of individuals and their families
during the time of declared disasters."
 

During and immediately following disasters, especially in the recovery phase, it is critical that a collaborative effort be established between government and the private non-profit community. Federal and state entities have specific guidelines and areas which can provide assistance, but this assistance is designed to meet minimum short term needs, i.e. to make those impacted safe, sanitary and secure. Volunteer organizations, interfaith groups, social service organizations, community action agencies and locally based state agencies all come together to define a complete assistance package for those impacted by the disaster. These local groups have various compositions and names, but all are designed to assure the same delivery of services.

The Seminole County Unmet Needs Committee was established in 1998 immediately following a tornado event leaving many homes damaged and 12 people dead. The group assists victims of any disaster who have urgent needs that have not been met through traditional recovery programs. In addition, Seminole HEART coordinates and provides access to resources at the local level, and utilizes an organizational structure of local member agencies to access non-local resources. Non-disaster related functions include planning, training and mitigation activities.

The purpose of the Unmet Needs Committee is to help affected families to develop a plan and receive adequate assistance for the recovery.