Mayor Barret Recognizes Safe & Sound for FEMA Outreach

Mayor Barrett Delivered his 2011 Budget to the Common Council on September 23rd. Safe & Sound organizers were recognized for their quick and agile response when called to action after the massive 2010 flooding. The response resulted in thousands of homeowners receiving the necessary information on safety and assistance, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) reconsideration of their original decision denying homeowner assistance. The revised determination brought millions of dollars to families struggling to repair flood damaged homes in Milwaukee.

Apparently this was the first time FEMA has reconsidered such a decision and it was a long shot on the part of City officials. However, when Joe Kubisiak, Director of the Safe & Sound Community Partners Program, met with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, City Departments and Milwaukee Aldermanic offices, he helped develop a plan that would mobilize existing resources, map out an public information strategy, and send teams of community organizers into the neighborhoods most significantly impacted by the flooding.

The planning meeting was held on Thursday afternoon and by Monday morning the City had several hundred signed resident surveys, more than enough to have FEMA reevaluate their decision. Safe & Sound’s team of community organizers had worked through the weekend to get the job done and used their expertise working in the neighborhoods to identify the most effective strategy.

Although the primary focus of Safe & Sound Community Partners is crime reduction work at the neighborhood level, the FEMA outreach was a great example of the power and flexibility a large team of trained organizers commands. Mayor Barrett’s acknowledgment of this asset was greatly appreciated by everyone at Safe & Sound.

LINK: Mayor’s 2011 Budget Address