WASHINGTON, D.C. — Extreme Weather Survivors Monday launched a new free online community exclusively for its network of over 2,500 survivors of extreme weather events — offering a better way to connect, share resources, and build support, part of the organization’s efforts to mark the third anniversary of the first-of-its-kind nonprofit that helps ensure survivors are not recovering alone.
EWS is also launching a new Storywall highlighting more than 80 survivors’ stories and hosting a series of virtual events this week to connect survivors with resources and invite other survivors into its network to mark the anniversary.
“Three years ago, we launched with a simple message: no one should have to recover alone,” said Sierra Lindsey Kos, Co-founder and Co-executive Director, Extreme Weather Survivors. “This anniversary, we celebrate the community of nearly 2,000 survivors who have come together to build a system of strength and aid for those experiencing extreme weather every year and renew our promise to ensure every survivor is seen, heard, and empowered to lead.”
The new free online community connects survivors to others with similar experiences, gives them direct access to insurance specialists, shares information about small-dollar grants, offers free mental health resources and support groups, and provides trauma-informed advocacy training to ensure the media and politicians can’t ignore these struggles.
The resource was built with the help of 22 founding members, survivors of fire, flood, and extreme heat from across the country.
“After the catastrophic July 4 flooding devastated my Kerr County neighborhood, I saw firsthand how overwhelming the gaps in long-term disaster assistance can be for families trying to rebuild,” said Kylie Nidever, a Hill Country flood survivor and founding member of the digital community.
“This new effort is a vital lifeline that ensures that long after the floodwaters recede, no one has to navigate the exhausting road to recovery alone,” Nidever said.
“We’re expanding this online community so that every survivor who will be impacted this summer and in the years to come will be able to connect into a community of fellow survivors who understands better than anyone what they are going through,” said Chris Kocher, Co-founder and Co-executive Director, Extreme Weather Survivors.
The virtual event series will encourage other survivors to join the network so no one has to grieve, rebuild, or navigate the aftermath of a crisis in isolation. Two weeks of programming beginning on 7/20 will welcome anyone who has been impacted by extreme weather to join EWS’s new free online community. Details of the programming schedule can be found at https://ewsurvivors.org/ launchweek.
“After the catastrophic July 4 flooding devastated my Kerr County neighborhood, I saw firsthand how overwhelming the gaps in longterm disaster assistance can be for families trying to rebuild.”
— Kylie Nidever, Hill Country flood survivor
Comment
Comments