PEF lends financial hand to flood victims

By DEBORAH A. MILES
To help members who suffered a loss from the floods in the northeast last June, PEF leaders decided to lend a financial hand.

At the August Executive Board meeting, representatives voted to use $50,000 from the union’s contingency fund to aid those in need.

“We understand the devastation caused by the flooding and want to show the support of the union to these members,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

In order to qualify, PEF will give each family up to $500, if they suffered $5,000 or more in damages. Members must provide either an insurance claim or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) claim. Claims and a request for assistance should be sent to PEF Trustees, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road, Albany, NY 12212, and must be received before December 31, 2006.

“We don’t know how many people were victims of the flood and the extent of the damages,” Brynien said.

“People are still traumatized,” said PEF Division 399 Council Leader Kathy D’Arminio.

She said one member whose basement and first floor was totally gutted by the flood is living in a FEMA trailer.

“This is short-term, and if this member’s house isn’t repaired before winter, he doesn’t know where he will live. The trailer isn’t heated.

“It’s a lengthy process for everyone involved,” D’Arminio said. “But there is continuous support from the community. People are being offered low-interest loans to repair damages, and legislators such as state Sen. Thomas Libous are setting money aside for new equipment for the fire department.

“It is difficult to get through this,” she said. “But with everyone helping in different ways, we will move forward.”

If you would like to make a donation to the flood victims, contact your local division leader.
 

The Communicator Oct. 2006

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