Following the wrath of Hurricane Isaac, countless numbers of volunteers converged on St. John the Baptist Parish to assist residents in cleaning, gutting, painting, repairing and rebuilding homes in an effort to assist with restoration of the community. More than 1,000 volunteers working more than 5,800 hours have been assisting St. John the Baptist Parish residents.

Although many St. John residents have started to rebuild their homes, more than 700 residents have contacted the St. John Volunteer Reception Center for assistance. As a result, a Long Term Recovery Group was established to respond to those needs. The St. John the Baptist Parish Long Term Recovery Group, or SJBP LTRG, includes volunteer agencies that offer resources and locals who represent the needs of their neighborhoods.

The SJBP LTRG is led by an executive board composed of the chairman and co-chairman of each of the five standing committees. These committees include volunteer and donation coordination, construction/clean up coordination, case management, emotional and spiritual care and unmet needs.  The mission of the group is to address the needs of residents in response to damage sustained from Hurricane Isaac. The SJBP LTRG provides coordinated management of long-term recovery for individuals affected by the disaster and advocates for ongoing resources and preparedness within voluntary agencies. Residents and/or agencies interested in participating with the SJBP LTRG are asked to contact Dana Milioto at 985-359-0246 or d.milioto@sjbparish. com.

With a goal of returning 20 families to their homes in time for Christmas, the group has been successful in completing two homes with only minor repairs to be finished. To meet this goal, volunteers and re-building materials are needed. Monetary donations can be made to:

• St. John United Way (designate for SJBP Long Term Recovery Group), P. O. Box 2019, Reserve, LA 70084; or

• “Hurricane Isaac Recovery Fund” at www.hurricaneisaacrecoveryfund.com or mailed to First National Bank, 377 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace, LA 70068.

Funds will go toward the purchase of large volumes of rebuilding supplies such as sheetrock, sheetrock mud, screws and other materials to assist with rebuilding homes in the St. John the Baptist Parish. All donations will be allocated to volunteer and non-profit organizations in the SJBP LTRG to repair the homes of those with the greatest need. Anyone interested in donating supplies and/or materials should contact the Volunteer Assistance Hotline at 985-359-1024. All donations are tax deductible and will go directly toward recovery efforts. There are no administrative fees associated with the donation.

Residents in need of assistance are asked to contact the home repair hotline at 985-359-0254. Organizations or individuals interested in volunteering should contact the Volunteer Assistance Hotline at 985-359-1024.

Information on St. John the Baptist Parish recovery will continue to be released through the SJBP LTRG. Additional information can be viewed at www. stjohnrecovery.com.