United way sets up fund for flood victims

HATTIESBURG, Miss - The United Way of Southeast Mississippi (UWSM) has established the United Way Flood Response and Recovery Disaster Fund to accept donations to support the recovery and relief efforts of the recent floods that affected the Pine Belt area.

The City of Hattiesburg is currently in the process of assessing flood damages to determine the scope and magnitude of the storms.

Director of UWSM, Tracie Fowler said, "As you know a lot of flood damage is not covered under homeowner insurance, and some people may not have national flood insurance, a lot of this will be out of pocket expense to some people who are already strapped for cash."

Every dollar contributed to the United Way of Southeast Mississippi Flood Response and Recovery Disaster Fund will be used for flood disaster relief and recovery in Forrest, Lamar, Perry and Marion counties.

"Money is the easiest thing to deal with because if we do need supplies, we can always run out and purchase those, but the funds that are needed is after the fact, when we are trying to make repairs to the homes" said Fowler.

Residents can donate at www.unitedwaysems.org/disaster.