2 days ago
Foundation pledges $10,000 to Somerset flood recovery fund
SOMERSET, Pa. – A Johnstown-based foundation has pledged $10,000 toward a Somerset County flood recovery effort.
The 1889 Foundation's $10,000 donation will be used to support organizations providing emergency shelters, food assistance and clean-up supplies in the wake of devastating flooding across southern Somerset County last month.
'At a time when so many of our neighbors are facing hardship, we believe it's essential to step forward and support the recovery process,' said 1889 Foundation President Susan Mann. 'Our communities are resilient, and together, we can rebuild stronger.'
The Somerset County commissioners established the Somerset County Disaster Recovery Fund last month to assist communities – including their residents and businesses – as they worked to recover from the flood.
The disaster's severity enabled state and federal resources, including Small Business Administration loan programs, to be made available for home repairs and loss recovery, among other aid – but county officials envision the county's fund filling in unmet 'gaps.'
Somerset County President Commissioner Brian Fochtman described the donation as 'fantastic news' for the fund.
'It's great they are willing to do that to help their neighbor (to) the south,' Fochtman said of the organization.
'I'm almost overwhelmed by the willingness we're seeing from the community to help.'
The donation puts the fund at approximately $50,000.
The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies is managing the fund, while a committee of county-appointed individuals – including first responders and business leaders – will review applications to begin issuing funds this month.
The first round of funding is being designated for 501(c)3 organizations, including religious organizations and government entities providing support to residents in the flood relief effort, which can request up to $10,000, according to the Community Foundation.
1889 Foundation officials said they recognize the efforts nonprofits have already put in to support people whose lives have been upended by the May 13 disaster.
'(The) 1889 Foundation deeply appreciates the tireless work those organizations and all of the nonprofits organizations involved are doing to bring comfort and aid to those in need,' Mann said.
Deadline approaching
Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis said an application deadline of June 18 is fast approaching for organizations to apply for the first wave of Somerset County Disaster Recovery funds.
Qualified nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities can apply at
The region is also being encouraged to support the recovery effort by donating to the Disaster Recovery Fund at
The Somerset County commissioners are planning to have the disaster fund operated as a long-term support line that will help residents in the aftermath of future disasters.
