Vanderbilt employees turned out in droves for last week’s flood relief swap meet at the Student Life Center. (photo by Anne Rayner)
Resources rise for flood relief efforts
Vanderbilt continues to marshal resources to aid employees and community members whose lives have been disrupted by the historic flooding that swamped Nashville last week.
Among the most recent developments:
• All employees, even those completely spared by the flood, are urged to take the Vanderbilt Employee Needs Assessment Flood Relief Survey, which is used to guide flood recovery efforts.
To take the survey and to find comprehensive information on Vanderbilt's flood response, visit: www.vanderbilt.edu/flood/.
As of Wednesday, 67 employees reported that their residence was totally destroyed in the flood; 286 reported that their residence was currently uninhabitable but salvageable; and another 510 reported having a livable residence with damage exceeding $5,000. The survey also asks about transportation, dependent care, food needs, etc.
• As of Wednesday, 101 employees reported having personal vehicles destroyed in the flood. Ride Match is an online resource that employees can use to find carpool partners or to register for a vanpool. Visit: www.vmcridematch.com/.
Dandre Hill, right, and her daughter, Kaiandra Franklin, fold sheets at the swap. (photo by Anne Rayner)
• The Vanderbilt Flood Resource and Coordination Center works to link those affected by the flood with resources at Vanderbilt and in the community. It's open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays; call 322-4362. (Those seeking information or assistance should first check the University's flood information homepage at www.vanderbilt.edu/flood/.)
• Two Vanderbilt programs at the center of flood recovery efforts are the Faculty and Staff Hardship Fund and the psychological support group Work/Life Connections. Visit: worklifeconnections.vanderbilt.edu.
• A FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Disaster Recovery Center has opened in the Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks parking lot, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (hours subject to change based on demand). If you have been impacted by the flood, registering with FEMA should be at the top of your to-do list. Visit: www.disasterassistance.gov; call 800-621-FEMA (3362); or visit either a local Disaster Assistance Center or a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.
• Last week, the University announced that it would grant up to two weeks of paid leave to faculty, staff and trainees whose residences were destroyed or otherwise rendered uninhabitable by the flood.
• An online Vanderbilt Flood Relief Fund has been established. All monies donated are tax deductible; to give, visit: www.vanderbilt.edu/flood/.
• Employees donated clothing and household items for a flood relief swap hosted by Vanderbilt May 6-7 at the Student Life Center.
• MyVUMC, the Medical Center’s consolidated e-mail communication portal, is publishing daily updates on relief efforts.
• The Vanderbilt Helping Vanderbilt Flood Assistance Network is an online resource for employees who need to replace items destroyed or damaged in the flood and employees to post items they want to donate. Visit: www.vanderbilt.edu/flood/.
• Vanderbilt's Office of Active Citizenship and Service has coordinated volunteer flood recovery efforts of students, staff and faculty. Visit: www.vanderbilt.edu/oacs/.
• The Vanderbilt Credit Union is offering no-interest and low-interest loans for affected employees, as well as loan payment extensions.
For more information, visit: www.vanderbilt.edu/flood/.