Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced that the County’s Emergency Management Division is working with Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to assist residents affected by the May 15th storm that battered the region.

“VOAD is a respected association of organizations that works to mitigate and alleviate the effects of disaster on stricken communities,” Neuhaus said. “Although the storm was a few weeks ago, many residents are still recovering and need assistance. We are all grateful that VOAD is ready, willing and able to help. I also commend the County’s Emergency Management team for the hard work and effort it performed during and since the storm.”

Residents who were hardest hit and submitted requests for assistance to cut fallen trees into moveable pieces, move trees off structures, remove precarious limbs and clear paths to homes are being helped by VOAD. Volunteers from throughout the nation will be in the Town of Crawford, Town of Montgomery and Town of Newburgh for approximately a week and are trying to maximize their efforts and assist as many residents as they can.

The volunteers are staying in dorms at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. Eastern Orange County was the hardest hit area during last month’s storm. Residents with storm damage questions can contact the County’s Emergency Operations Center from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 845-615-0529.

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