FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2015
Contact:  Scott Salotto (845) 638-5645
                Mimi Vilord (845) 358-8929 (UWRC)

ROCKLAND COUNTY SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH UNITED WAY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY

Agreement Forges Cooperation Between Rockland County, United Way, Nonprofit Agencies In Providing Disaster Services And Critical Information

NEW CITY, NY -- Rockland County Executive Ed Day and United Way of Rockland County, Inc. (UWRC) President and CEO Mimi Vilord today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an exclusive long-term relationship to respond to the needs of our community during and after any natural or manmade disaster.

Under the terms of the MOU, the County of Rockland, while directing local response to disaster relief, will request that UWRC provide assistance to residents seeking help. As part of the mutual agreement, Rockland County will coordinate disaster services with local, state and federal government agencies, while the UWRC coordinates relief services with members of the Rockland County Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster (RCVOAD).

"Building a strong community requires strong partnerships, and this MOU with the United Way of Rockland County is a great example of how county government is enhancing relationships with local nonprofits to keep our people safe in the wake of a disaster," said County Executive Day.  "On behalf of the residents of Rockland County, I want to thank the UWRC for its generosity and leadership as we work to better prepare our towns and villages before an event, and provide resources and assistance in the aftermath."

"Being an organization that was actively involved in helping to meet the needs of the community, individuals and families during all stages of Hurricane Sandy truly reinforced the importance of all organizations working together during times of disaster, said UWRC President and CEO Vilord.  "We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with non-profit organizations, government agencies and community groups."

In addition, the UWRC has generously donated ten portable generators to the County for use during disaster or weather-related power outages.  The new, gas-powered, 15 kilowatt Generac generators will complement the Office of Fire and Emergency Services' existing inventory of power generating equipment.  The portable generators can be used to supply temporary electricity to private homes, small businesses or even traffic lights in the wake of a devastating storm or other event.

Most government officials utilize digital and social media technologies to share information and connect with citizens during all phases of a crisis.  As such, the understanding encourages the use of official County website and social media channels, in addition to United Way's Hudson Valley 2-1-1 system and Information Rockland (InfoRock) as the main sources of information about disaster recovery and relief services.

The agreement states that UWRC, working in partnership with Rockland County, will publicize the availability of a centralized disaster relief fund (set up by United Way in 2001) for the purpose of assisting Rockland residents impacted by disaster.  UWRC has agreed to be the fiscal agent for the money in the relief fund account and will set up a system of case management utilizing RCVOAD.  UWRC has also agreed to be the convener of the Rockland Community Response Board (RCRB) charged with setting up a funding protocol for the release of funds from this account.  The RCRB will include at least one representative each from the County of Rockland and United Way Rockland County.

When a disaster occurs in which donations of money or supplies are offered, the County of Rockland and UWRC will work together to establish and publicize a centralized system of acceptance, rejection, storage and dissemination of donated funds and items. Public outreach may include a listing of accepted items, as well as drop-off and pick-up locations.

RCVOAD is a coalition of nonprofit organizations that collaboratively plan, coordinate and implement disaster preparedness and response, as well as identify and respond to the unmet needs of people impacted by disasters in Rockland County.

The following agencies support United Way of Rockland as the coordinating agency of RCVOAD and the fiscal agent of a centralized disaster relief fund:

• Catholic Community Services
• Child Care Resources of Rockland
• Christ Church of Ramapo Feeding Ministry
• Community Awareness Network for a Drug Free Life and Environment (CANDLE)
• Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Board Chair
• Head Start of Rockland
• Martin Luther King Center
• Meals on Wheels Programs and Services of Rockland, Inc.
• Mental Health Association of Rockland County
• People to People
• Retired Senior Volunteer Program
• Rockland Center for the Arts
• Rockland County YMCA
• Rockland Independent Living Center
• Rockland Jewish Family Services
• Rockland Teachers Institute
• The Children's Village
• Touch
• VCS