HARTFORD, CT -- The state has now also announced plans to develop a statewide effort rooted in the state’s 169 communities. The newest initiative, to include municipal officials, community-based organizations, nonprofit providers, and philanthropic partners – establishes local long-term recovery committees that will help meet urgent needs, accelerate recovery, and expedite coordination with the state’s emergency management structure, according to state officials.
Among the organizational leaders across the state involved organizing the initiative are Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James C. Rovella; Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman; Michael Corey, chair of CT Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD); Joe DeLong, executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities; Elizabeth Gara, executive director of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns; Gian-Carl Casa, president and CEO of the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance; Karla Fortunato, CEO of the Connecticut Council on Philanthropy; and Sam Gold, chair of the Connecticut Association of Councils of Government.
Karla Fortunato of the Connecticut Council on Philanthropy commented: “Connecticut’s philanthropic organizations are eager to support the work of our communities and our partners on the ground. We are ready to stand with them, and help build the most effective possible recovery efforts for our communities.”