The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services advises that its Critical Incident Response System has officially been activated following the inclement weather experienced over the past few days, resulting in many individuals and families being adversely affected due to flooding. The Ministry has partnered with its key stakeholders, particularly the Disaster Management Unit (DMU) of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, through the ARCGIS Survey 123 Platform of shared information, and electronic assessments; to ensure that support is provided to affected persons in the shortest possible time.
The Ministry offers grants to persons impacted by natural disasters who are eligible for:
• Emergency Food Support;
• Up to $20,000 in funding for Minor House Repairs;
• Up to $15,000.00 for Sanitary Plumbing Assistance;
• A Clothing Grant which is up to $1,000.00 per person;
• A School Supplies Grant which amounts to $700.00 for primary school children and $1,000.00 for secondary school children;
• A Grant to cover replacement of Household items (up to a maximum of $10,000.00); and
• Counselling and psychosocial support from the Ministry’s National Family Services Division.
Additionally, the Ministry advises of its Critical Incident Online Application Form available for persons affected by flooding and disaster, who have not yet been visited by the Disaster Management Unit of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government. This portal may be accessed by logging on to the Ministry’s website at www.social.gov.tt and completing the application for disaster relief. Officers from the Ministry are also on the field, and are processing applications, in an effort to restore persons impacted, as quickly as possible.
Persons are kindly urged to contact their respective Disaster Management Units at the Regional Corporations and Officers attached to the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. Social Workers attached to the National Family Services Division are also on the field, to provide psychosocial support to families who may be feeling stressed and anxious at this time.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ toll free Suicide Prevention Hotline is also available via 800-COPE, should persons require urgent counselling support over the phone.
For further information and assistance, also contact the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ toll free call centre at 800-1MSD (1673), visit any of our social welfare district offices in your area, or message us on to any of the Ministry’s social media platforms.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services remains resolute to its mandate of helping, empowering, and transforming the lives of all persons, particularly those who distressed and displaced at this time.