United Way of Etowah County, United Way of Cullman County, United Way of East Central Alabama and United Way of Central Alabama have partnered together to establish relief funds to help with the recovery needs of the recent weather events that occurred on March 19, 2018.
- All contributions donated will be used to help with both immediate, basic needs and long-term recovery services.
- Please Give to Help Your Neighbors: www.uwca.org/disaster
- With your help we can help those impacted rebuild their lives.
UPDATE | TUESDAY, APRIL 17:
UPDATE | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11:
UPDATE | MONDAY, APRIL 2:
1. LATEST INFORMATION REGARD VOLUNTEERS, DONATIONS, AND ASSISTANCE
Volunteer Reception Center (VRC):
- Volunteers will still be working during the upcoming week
- The VRC hours of operations:
- Monday – Thursday: 8AM - 5PM
- Saturday: 7AM – 5 PM
- Easter Sunday: CLOSED
Disaster Relief Center (DRC):
- Monday, March 26th the DRC will be relocated to the Jacksonville Train Depot (650 Mountain St NW Jacksonville, AL 36265)
- DRC hours of operations:
- Monday- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Easter Sunday: CLOSED
Donation Center:
- Hours of Operations
- Monday- Saturday: 9AM – 5 PM
Easter Sunday: CLOSED
2. City of Anniston & Jacksonville, AL Relief Efforts
Following are official sources for citizens to access for information on volunteering or donating:
- DONATIONS
- ALL donations should be coordinated through the following:
- Donation Center, 256-435-6021
- Family Life Center, First United Methodist Church, 109 Gayle Ave., SW, Jacksonville, AL, 36265
- Current Specific Needs: VISA Gift Cards (preferred), Blankets, Toiletries, Cleaning Supplies,Leather Work Gloves (for volunteers), Safety Vests (for volunteers)
- MONETARY DONATIONS
- 100% of the money raised through these will go straight to our local community.
Residents affected by the storms should call 211 for assistance with non-emergencies
- VOLUNTEERS
- Volunteer Reception Center, 256-435-8115
- Jacksonville Community Center, 501 Alexandria Road, S.W., Jacksonville, AL 36265
- Volunteers will be dispatched again beginning on Friday, March 23.
- Volunteers should wear durable, protective clothing such as closed toe shoes and boots.
- If they have safety gear such as leather work gloves and reflective clothing/vests or tools, please bring them.
- Heavy equipment shouldn’t be coming in anymore since the roads are clear
- SHELTER
- American Red Cross Shelter, 256-435-7263
- Eagle Point Church,3 301 Henry Road, SWs, Jacksonville, AL 36265
#jacksonvillestrong #jsustrong
3. Warnings Against Home Repair Fraud Following Storm Damage
Consumers, please take the following precautions when hiring a builder or someone to make home repairs:
- Find out as much as you can about them, especially if they make unsolicited contact with you or have come from out-of-town after a natural disaster.
- Ask for proof that they are bonded or insured.
- Ask if they are licensed. Ask to see the card! For residential construction over $10,000 a builder must be licensed by the Home Builders Licensure Board. Plumbers, HVAC contractors and electricians must be licensed by the state regardless of the cost of work. There also may be local permitting and license requirements, so check with local city or county government You may check with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board to see if a contractor is licensed by calling 1-800-304-0853, or by visiting www.hblb.alabama.gov.
- Ask if this particular job requires a permit and contact your local city and county government to see if a permit is required. Do not let them talk you into applying for a homeowner’s permit. If they do not want to be known to local officials, they may be hiding a bad reputation.
- Obtain several written estimates. Beware of estimates that are well below the market price or seem “too good to be true.”
- Ask for references. Get names and addresses, and call them.
- Require a written contract. Under state law, licensed homebuilders must use a written contract. Make sure it includes the contractor’s full name, address, and telephone number; a description of the work to be performed; starting and estimated completion dates; and the total cost of the job.
- NEVER make a full payment or a substantial down payment up front. Do not make final payment until you are satisfied and all subcontractors have been paid. If they tell you more money is needed in advance, be wary. They should be able to pay for supplies or have credit to make necessary purchases until you compensate them afterward.
- Make sure you can contact them. Be certain to get an office number and a cell phone number, and a physical address. Businesses with established addresses may be safer.
Attorney General Marshall urges consumers and officials to report any problems of alleged fraud or scams to his consumer protection office by calling toll-free 1-800-392-5658, by writing to 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, 36130, or though the Attorney General’s main web page at www.ago.alabama.gov.