More aid sought for hidden victims of 9/11

New York Disaster Interfaith Services called a news conference last week on the steps of City Hall in New York City to rally for more aid for those affected by 9/11. LDRNY participated in the news conference.

Dr. John J. Scibilia speaks at news conference on the steps of City Hall.

John J. Scibilia, Executive Director of LDRNY, said:
“Lutheran Disaster Response of New York initiated the NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable in April 2002 as means of providing cash assistance to persons affected by 9/11. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) quickly joined LDRNY and others followed suit as the NYDIS report documents. The unmet needs process matches up good casework provided through established social service and disaster agencies with the funds needed to stabilize the client’s financial situation. It is a common method used in the wake of many disasters to leverage excellent social work and dollars available to assist individuals. These funds did not duplicate the existing September 11 Fund assistance, but rather met the needs of those who did not fit limited geographic or other eligibility criteria. For months after 9/11 there were also many individuals confused by the process of assistance, encountered language barriers or were not able to access the system due to immigration and documentation status.

"Food, rent and other basic human needs were the primary requests received and funded in the first year. For many clients, just meeting the gap of a few months rent was all that was needed to get them on their feet again. The formula was simple and the needs of clients generally similar.

"It became clear over time that unmet needs would continue to evolve during the long term recovery. Clients who participated in September 11 Fund job training programs successfully completed their work, yet have still not found a job. Recently a Florida emergency manager indicated “if there are no jobs, there is no recovery,” referring to hurricane disaster recovery in the community. Individuals experiencing severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and not able to work and often find themselves waiting months trying to access government disability and compensation programs. Recovery workers experiencing health issues as a result of their work confront the same frustration of a process that is sluggish in response to their need which is often as basic as food and rent. Individually owned and small business owners have struggled and gone under, particularly those located in or dependent upon a vital Lower Manhattan. Each time a new threat level is announced, these businesses which have struggled since 9/11 experience a decrease in business losing valuable ground in their recovery. Just as businesses have gone under, individuals with unmet needs related to 9/11 are in danger of going under. The NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable process is a vital lifeline in bridging the gap for individuals between what they need and what they have available.”

To download the NYDIS report, click here.