PURPOSE/MISSION:

The purpose of the FSEA/FEC Disaster Relief Program is to provide emergency goods, services, and aid to Elk members in the households in the state of Florida, who are victims of a declared disaster event.

SCOPE:

The FSEA will maintain a continuous Disaster Relief Program presence on the FSEA website to inform members of the program, to solicit ongoing contributions or disaster relief, and to direct those in need of aid on the procedures to apply for and receive disaster relief aid.

THE FSEA DISASTER RELIEF COMMITTEE:

The FSEA Disaster Relief Committee will consist of the following:

• The FSEA State President
• The FSEA State Secretary
• The FSEA CFO/Accounting Director
• The President of the Florida Elks Charities, Inc.
• The President of Harry-Anna Investment Fund, Inc.
• A Representative of the PSP Advisory Committee

WHEN A DISASTER EVENT OCCURS:

1. The FSEA Disaster Relief Program may be activated when the President of the United States of America, or the Governor of the State of Florida declares a disaster event in the state of Florida.
2. Upon becoming aware of a declared disaster event, the FSEA Disaster Relief Committee shall meet, coordinate with the State Sponsors, and determine which District Relief Committees need to be activated and establish a plan of action.
3. Generally, and in most cases, the ELKS disaster relief efforts are not intended to replace or support emergency efforts by federal, state, and local authorities. Although disaster applications shall be accepted immediately following disaster event, no check should be anticipated from the FSEA office for at least two weeks after application has been received by FSEA DRC.
4. Upon the declaration of a disaster in Florida, and if warranted, the state sponsors may seek relief funds from the Grand Lodge Disaster Relief Fund payable to FEC.
5. Upon the declaration of a disaster in Florida, and if warranted, the Harry-Anna Investment Fund (HAIF), Inc. may advance up to $100K to FEC for the use in disaster relief with the understanding that any funds donated during the disaster, and not distributed as Aid, shall be returned to HAIF. with the understanding that any funds donated during the disaster, and not distributed as Aid, shall be returned to the HAIF.

REQUESTS FOR AND DISBURSEMENT OF AID:

1. All requests for aid must be made through the FSEA Disaster Relief Committee utilizing the method prescribed by the committee online applications.
2. Applications for relief will be received and evaluated by the FSEA Disaster Relief Committee (after going through the District DRC) and a decision is made on and the amount of aid granted.
3. Applications for relief must include detailed information on the extent of damages (to include photos where possible) and must include a statement on how the relief funds will be used.
4. All relief grants will be issued by check from Florida Elks Charities (FEC) with the name and address of each recipient recorded.
5. Relief recipients are obligated to use grant funds for the purposes stated in their application within 30 days of receipt. If the grant funds are not used within that timeframe, the recipient is obligated to return the unused portion to the FSEA.
6. In no case shall disaster relief be considered for those issues that would be customarily covered by insurance or deductibles.
7. Disaster grant applications will be accepted for two weeks after the disaster event has been declared.

RELIEF GUIDELINES:

1. Elks members and their dependents shall be given first consideration for relief. However, other non-member victims may also be included.
2. No applicant shall receive more than $2000 from this fund.
3. A relief event will cease when all applications have been reviewed, or when it is determined that further assistance is not required, or when available funds have been exhausted.