Massachusetts Recovery Coordination Center launched to efficiently coordinate information on assistance needs and volunteers

PIONEER VALLEY, Mass., June 15, 2011  – United Way of Pioneer Valley, MASS 2-1-1, Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and All Hands Volunteers are launching a coordination point to maximize their efforts in clean-up across the region. The Massachusetts Recovery Coordination Center (RCC) provides resources and referrals to residents in need of assistance and coordinates with other agencies to deliver services directly to those in need. It also fosters communication and collaboration between groups to avoid duplication of efforts and to maximize impact on the community in this time of need.

MASS 2-1-1, a United Way of Massachusetts program, will serve as the primary point of contact for people with clean-up or other storm-related needs. It will also serve as a point of contact for people who want to volunteer and/or donate in-kind items. MASS 2-1-1 will coordinate with Massachusetts RCC and the United Way of Pioneer Valley. The RCC matches homeowner needs with the appropriate voluntary agency working in the state and UWPV matches volunteers with the agencies needing help.
This service can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 or via the toll free number (877) 211-6277. Those with Internet access should go to www.uwpv.org <http://www.uwpv.org> and click on the To Volunteer for Tornado Recovery link at the top of the page.

All Hands Volunteers has set up offices at the United Way of Pioneer Valley in Springfield for the duration of their recovery efforts. Groups both from the local area and from around the country are here in western Massachusetts providing volunteer clean up and recovery services. All services are free of charge.
 
About All Hands Volunteers
All Hands Volunteers, formerly known as Hands On Disaster Response (HODR) is a US-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, that provides hands-on assistance to survivors of natural disasters around the world, with maximum impact and minimum bureaucracy. For more information, please visit www.hands.org <http://www.hands.org> .

About United Way of Pioneer Valley
United Way of Pioneer Valley mobilizes people and resources to strengthen our communities.  UWPV targets the community’s most pressing needs and focuses resources, agency partnerships and the energy of volunteers to create measurable results.  To invest, to volunteer or for more information, call United Way of Pioneer Valley at (413) 737-2691 or visit www.uwpv.org <http://www.uwpv.org> .