How can I help?

Your time or money can make a difference. There's a place for your skills at one of our many subcommittees. And while The McCormick Foundation recognized our long-term need with a grant, that money alone is unlikely to meet the scope of recovery needs. Either way, your help is appreciated. Tax deductible contributions may be made to: Central Illinois Disaster Recovery Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Central Illinois, 331 Fulton, Suite 310, Peoria, IL 61602.

What are “unmet” needs?

A year after the tornadoes, people still find unexpected expenses, some large and some small. Insurance often doesn't cover everything and there are always deductibles. After 12 months, many insurance policies no longer cover rental housing, even when a new home is not yet ready for occupancy, which may mean double housing payments for storm victims. That expense can be huge. As a smaller example, it may take extra gas money to drive children from rental housing, sometimes in another community, to their normal school. Such items add up quickly and LTR aims to relieve that financial stress.

How does the LTR process work?

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation provided a $500,000 grant to LTR. (The Foundation also granted $150,000 to the Salvation Army for use in the recovery effort.) The office furniture at the Long Term Recovery Center was provided by the Caterpillar Foundation, which also helped design the space. Local social service organizations, churches, individuals and businesses contribute to meet unmet needs in the community.

How long will LTR remain active?

LTR will operate when it is needed, and no longer. Our goal is to cease operations in one/two years, unless another major disaster strikes. LTR will remain dormant until it is needed in the future. We hope LTR won't be needed again for a very long time.

What is LTR?

Tri-County Long Term Recovery is a not-for-profit organization. Its vision is to coordinate assistance for people within Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties who have been affected by significant natural or manmade disasters. People who've lost their homes and belongings don't get back to œnormal right away. It takes time. Churches, businesses, service groups and individual donors want to help, but may not know how. Our goal is to make things as easy as possible for both individuals and volunteers over the long haul.

What does LTR do?

Our mission is to strengthen area wide disaster coordination through information sharing, simplifying the access to available resources for individuals and families, and jointly resolving cases with unmet needs from disasters. We identify Tri-County individuals and families with unmet needs; provide case management in order to prioritize how those needs will be met; and work together to deliver goods, services, and funds to meet those needs.

what makes ltr different?

LTR is not a competing or exclusive committee but is intended to be an umbrella committee for our member organizations. Each of them maintains its own identity and independence while working closely to improve service and eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort. Instead of 40 forms and 40 caseworkers and 40 agencies, we have data consolidated in one system which can be accessed easily. One caseworker handles each family from beginning to end. So people get help; helpers get people. As simple for both as we can make it.

Who leads LTR?

Community volunteer Jim Fassino, a retired bank president, is chairman of LTR. Jennifer M. Orban, a community volunteer, is vice chairman. Mark Roberts CEO of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, serves as secretary and co-chairs the donations committee. Kevin Gramm, vice president and commercial loan officer of First Mid Illinois Bank, is treasurer and community volunteer Shelley Epstein, a retired newspaper editor, heads communications. Most of the work gets done in subcommittees: volunteer management, disaster relief caseworkers, donations, spiritual/emotional, communications, pets, construction management and funders' forum. Subcommittees meet regularly to report on progress.

How and when did LTR get started?

In mid-2013 several concerned individuals and organizations pondered the need for area wide disaster coordination even as they were responding to the needs created throughout Central Illinois by record April floods. When mammoth tornadoes struck Washington, East Peoria and Pekin November 17, 2013, the fledgling LTR met to start the recovery the next day, November 18.

Is there a template for LTR?

Originally we had a presentation from FEMA and American Red Cross about the floods. After the tornadoes, we relied heavily on the experiences of those in Joplin, Missouri. We learned that coordination is vital, and duplication is avoidable. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has been invaluable.

Where is LTR located?

Locals call it Sunnyland Plaza, although it is now officially called Washington Plaza. The Long Term Recovery Center, which opened July 18, is located in the shops and offices at 2275 Washington Road -- along Illinois Route 8, close to the three communities impacted by the latest disaster.