WCDR seek volunteers to help with flood relief applications

WEST CARLETON –West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR) is looking for additional assistance to help those working through the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) application process as the recover from spring freshet flooding.

Earlier this month, the province activated the DRAO program for those who suffered flood damage in West Carleton last spring.

Now WCDR is stepping up to help those who need it, get their applications in before the deadline on Nov. 10.

“We are looking for volunteers to help families recover from the latest floods,” WCDR volunteer board members released in a statement yesterday (July 26). “Do you have experience with DRAO, insurance, and/or major flood repairs, good or bad? If yes, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for volunteers to help us with guiding families through their recovery.”

The DRAO helps eligible homeowners and tenants within an activated area get back on their feet, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said.

“The program has been activated in parts of the City of Ottawa, Whitewater Region and the Laurentian Valley due to the Ottawa River flooding that occurred on Wednesday, May. 23,” the Ontario government released in a statement.

Eligible costs include emergency expenses, clean-up expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property such as furnaces and hot water heaters.

“The program does not cover costs such as refinishing basement recreation rooms or restoring landscaping, fencing, retaining walls, docks or boathouses. Insurance payments will be deducted from eligible costs,” the province said.

Secondary residences or cottages are also not eligible.

If you would like to help (or you need assistance with your application), you can reach out to WCDR at their website here, or email them at flood@westcarletonrelief.ca to get started.