|
PITTSBURGH – Local, county and state officials collaborated yesterday to coordinate a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) for the residents impacted by the August 12 explosion in Plum. The event was held at the Plum Borough Municipal Complex Gymnasium and brought together multiple service providers to create a one-stop assistance center. Thirteen family units registered during the eight-hour event.
Planning for the MARC began last week. It is a normal step for disasters of this type in the recovery phase. It is an efficient way to deliver services to individuals and families affected by bringing together multiple service providers in a single location and providing on-site assistance.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s MARC. We all recognize the challenges that exist when important documents are missing, or you need resources to be able to recover from a tragedy such as this one,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Our team continues to work with Plum and its residents as they move forward, and we will remain engaged to bring whatever resources we can to make this process easier for those impacted.”
County, state, and federal agencies represented at the MARC assisted impacted homeowners with various needs such as license replacements from PennDOT, assistance to homeowners in dealing with their insurance carrier by the PA Department of Insurance, and marriage certificates from Court Records.
“My administration has been working alongside Allegheny County and our local partners since this tragedy happened nearly two weeks ago, and I directed the Department of Environmental Protection to launch an investigation and deliver state resources directly to impacted residents as quickly as possible,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The Commonwealth will continue to stand with the people of Plum and work together with local officials to provide the resources and support this community needs as it heals.”
Local agencies included Plum Borough, Plum Borough School District, and Plum Borough Municipal Authority. From Allegheny County, the departments of Emergency Services, Health Department, and Human Services were represented. State agencies were also an integral part of the event with participation from PA Emergency Management Agency, the Attorney General’s Office, the PA Department of Transportation, the PA Department of Health (Vital Records), and the PA Insurance Department. Rep. Joe McAndrew’s office was also present providing notary services and other assistance.
In addition to the government agencies, Peoples Gas, Duquesne Light, the American Red Cross, Southwest PA 2-1-1, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Children’s Disaster Services – Church of the Brethren, and Taxpayer Advocate Service also provided resources.
|
