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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, November 15, 2012

How Do You Spell Superstorm Relief? CACLV

Alicia Karner, president, CACLV Board
In October, Northampton County's Emergency Management Center was the command post for local emergency response to Superstorm Sandy. As Humvees raced in and out of the lot, Emergency Management Services Director Bob Mateff kept in contact with local municipalities and their residents. But the scene was much more tranquil at the Upper Nazareth Facility on November 14, when Mateff announced the formation a task force to provide $40,000 in financial assistance to low-income and elderly homeowners who suffered damages during the hurricane.

As bad as Sandy was, Mateff doubts whether the Lehigh Valley will qualify for federal or state assistance. So the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) was able to raise $40,000 to help those who suffered. Half of this money comes from NorCo's GPA, with the rest coming from ESSA Bank, the LV Labor Council, retired PPL CEO William Hecht and an anonymous donor.

Hal Black, retired Air Products Exec
Retired Air Products Executive Hal Black will coordinate response, which will provide up to $1,000 for Lehigh or Northampton County homeowners whose properties were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. They must be 65 years of age or older or have physical limitations preventing them from making the improvements themselves. They are ineligible for any damages covered by their homeowner's insurance. The program only applies to households that fall below 200% of the federal poverty. For a single resident, that's an annual income below $22,340. For a family of two, it's $30,260. For a three-person household, the cutoff is $38,180.

Alicia Karner, who is President of the Board of Directors at CACLV urged Lehigh Valley residents to apply if they need help, even if they think they might fail to meet the criteria. She explained that doing so would enable her to better assess the need. "When I worked for Senator Boscola, this is exactly the kind of call we used to get," said Karner, who is also Northampton County's Economic Development Administrator. "It's very frustrating to tell someone there's nothing there for them," she added, hopeful that these donations will help those in need.

Those who think they might be eligible are asked to call CACLV at 610-691-5620.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

why is this woman looking so clueless?

Anonymous said...

Shut up, Pete!

Bernie O'Hare said...

If there is any fault, it lies with the photographer. Alicia takes a good picture.

Anonymous said...

This is an excellent example of how organizations should come together following a disaster to help the people they serve! Oftentimes our elderly & special needs folks fall through the cracks during the disaster recovery period. Kudos to the County EMA's, CACLV, and the voluntary agencies for stepping up and doing the right thing for the people...

Anonymous said...

Alicia is the president Bernie!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Fixed nmy faux pas. I am afraid of no one ... except Alicia.

Anonymous said...

You said you were going to find out what the CACLV Board thought of the great Alan shooting off his mouth in support of the Great Allentown Water Sale.
Inquiring readers still want to know.

Anonymous said...

She is part of team Callahan.

Bernie O'Hare said...

What i said is that you could find out yourself. I did find out, andJennings was speaking for himself. Hehas first amendment rights, too.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,
You said you would look into how Alan J./ CACLV was tied-up in the Hill to Hill eletric billboard scam.
Remember. ( Please don't dismiss this as another First Amendment issue. Seriously .)

Thank you Bernie.

Anonymous said...

Why does everyone tip toe around Jennings?

Bernie O'Hare said...

6:22, I will certainly look into it.

Anonymous said...

she is not "part of team Callahan" or any other team, but team NORCO! That is the "TEAM" she works SO hard for!! Alicia is very good at her job at the county!!!

Anonymous said...

How much of that 40gs will the public see with only 18% truely going to the cause and the rest to administration costs because of the non-profit alliance¿ Than too we all cannot forget the new chief the big Don Cunnielingwists salary¿

Bernie O'Hare said...

100% will go to relief. This is not a LVEDC project, by the way. It has nothing to do with Don Cunningham, although I am sure he supports it.

Anonymous said...

Are you sure Bernie¿

Evelyn said...

good advices and informative information thanks for this. Disaster Insurance - Hurricane Sandy