CCAP flooded with phone calls, asks residents to be patient

Coastal Community Action Project has been struggling to keep up with the tremendous amount of phone calls it has received since the organization was deemed the center for flood relief, but CEO Craig Dublanko says the group is doing its best to make sure everyone gets the help they need.

“Even though the volume is high, we want people to call,” said Dublanko.

CCAP was deemed the clearinghouse for anything flood-related by an ad-hoc committee created by the county after the rain storm in early January. CCAP has since been tasked with referring those affected by the flood to agencies that the group thinks can best cater to their specific needs.

Dublanko says need has been extremely high, and estimates CCAP was receiving roughly 100 calls per day during the first week of the storm. Now, as requests have been slowly tapering off, he says the offices most likely are getting around 50 calls daily.

Residents have called asking for anything from help finding furniture to landing a place to stay, and due to the wide range of assistance needed, Dublanko made it clear that CCAP is not able to help everyone.

“If you’ve got insulation under your house that’s moldy, there might be a resource to help with that, but we don’t know what it is,” said Dublanko.

CCAP has been so overwhelmed that they have no idea how many families have been displaced since the flood. And, until things slow down at the office, it is unlikely a number will emerge. Adding to the difficulty of knowing how many residents have lost their home is that many of those affected are likely staying with family and friends and haven’t contacted CCAP, said Dublanko.

“Be patient with us,” said Dublanko. “These guys (CCAP employees) have been troopers trying to get everyone called back and going through lists trying to make sure everyone is contacted.”

Members of the Red Cross have recently moved into CCAP’s offices temporarily and are setting up appointments with residents who qualify for financial assistance, giving those hit hardest debit cards that can be used for food.

Anyone who needs flood assistance of any kind or questions about emergency relief should contact the Coastal Community Action Program at (360) 533-5100 ext. 151 or email barbm@coastalcap.org.

Renters and homeowners can report damages to Grays Harbor County Emergency Management at this link: http://ift.tt/1xZGupA