(Image provided, City of Hobart)
The city of Hobart has launched Hobart CARES, Community Assistance, Resources and Emergency Support, an initiative connecting residents with assistance, volunteer opportunities, emergency information and recovery resources before, during and after emergencies. Residents can learn more, request assistance, volunteer or access available resources at CityofHobart.org/629/Hobart-CARES .
“Hobart CARES does not replace emergency response; it gives our community another way to come together after the immediate emergency has passed,” said Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun. “August 11 showed the resilience of our community and the strength of our employees, but it also showed us where we could improve. Hobart CARES is a direct response to what we learned, giving neighbors, volunteers, local organizations and the City a clearer way to coordinate resources, meet needs and move forward together.”
The initiative remains available beyond individual emergencies, allowing the city to update information, available services and volunteer needs as circumstances change, a news release said.
“The devastating storm that rocked our region showed us how quickly needs can emerge across a community and how many people are willing to step forward and help,” said Hobart Chief of Staff Kelly Clemens. “Hobart CARES gives us a way to better organize those efforts, share resources and connect residents with available assistance as recovery needs change.”
Hobart CARES is organized into four areas: Get Support, Volunteer, Emergency Resources, and Prepare & Recover. Get Support includes the emergency check-in registry, assistance requests and wellness checks. Volunteer provides opportunities to assist with cleanup efforts and neighborhood needs. Emergency Resources includes information related to shelters, food, utilities, debris removal and emergency contacts. Prepare & Recover provides preparedness information, storm recovery resources and disaster assistance information.
