Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Monday, September 18, 2017
Regional Support to the Caribbean - CDEMA Emergency Assistance Fund.
BEMA
International Members, Friends, and Associates:
Rarely
do I promote or endorse for donations organizations providing assistance in
times of disasters due to my understanding of ‘disaster capitalism’,
institutionalized\culturally acceptable corruption, outrageous administration
and operating expenses of some entities.
For
the past 12-hours till now (5:30am ET) I have been monitoring the forecasts,
temperature, and path of Tropical Storm Maria that may pick-up speed to reach
the U.S. Coastlines (Gulf, Florida, or Eastern Seaboard). Its’ immediate affect will be on the
nations of the Caribbean, Cuba, Haiti, Virgin Islands (territories of U.S.,
and GB).
CDEMA
has setup a disaster relief fund to provide assistance to all member nations
of the Caribbean, Haiti, and hopefully assistance that will not be provided
by our current administration to Cuba.
If
fundraising opportunities are still being conducted please consider the
island nations of the Caribbean to receive some portion by providing it
directly to the CDEMA Emergency Assistance Fund.
To Mr. Ronald Jackson,
Executive Director CDEMA,
and all member nations and friends within CDEMA, within BEMA International “We Stand As One” and I and every
member of the association stand with you.
In
December 2017 CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency) has
scheduled its bi-annual conference on disaster risk management. Hopefully this event will take place
following the 2017 hurricane season.
This was a time to further our association relationship with Emergency
Management\Disaster professionals of CDEMA member nations, Haiti, and Cuba.
Peace
unto each of you. God’s speed.
Sincerely,
Charles
D. Sharp
“Our lives are not our own. We are bound
to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness, we birth
our future.” ¯ David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas
Cooperation,
Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and Partnering (C5&P) A 501 (c) 3
organization.
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Sunday, September 17, 2017
$$ Charitable Organizations List. September 2017. Disaster Relief.
Responsible giving during times of crisis. Understand the process, and ensure your financial dollars are helping and assisting those at the lowest level.
Review the example listed below to get a picture of how charitable organizations are rated globally. Conduct a search of organizations that you support currently, and during planning for disasters in your community. Understand WHO will be available and continue to provide assistance in your communities.
Sometimes the microscope has to be pointed inward.
bEMA International
Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org)
EXAMPLE:
Charity Search: Black Emergency Managers Association
Review the example listed below to get a picture of how charitable organizations are rated globally. Conduct a search of organizations that you support currently, and during planning for disasters in your community. Understand WHO will be available and continue to provide assistance in your communities.
Sometimes the microscope has to be pointed inward.
bEMA International
Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org)
EXAMPLE:
Charity Search: Black Emergency Managers Association
Black Emergency Managers Association
WASHINGTON, DC
Why isn't this organization rated?
This organization is not eligible to be rated by Charity Navigator because it is not required to file the full IRS Form 990. It is required to file a form 990-N. This form provides some information, but it lacks the level of data we require to issue a rating. Visit the Methodology section of our site to learn about our criteria for evaluating charities.
What does it mean that this organization isn’t rated?
It simply means that the organization doesn't meet our criteria. A lack of a rating does not indicate a positive or negative assessment by Charity Navigator.
EIN | 46-0700671 |
Name in IRS Master File | BLACK EMERGENCY MANAGERS ASSOCIATION |
Street Address | 1231B GOOD HOPE RD SE |
City, State, Zip | WASHINGTON, DC 20020-6907 |
NTEE Code | M03 |
NTEE Classification | Professional Societies, Associations |
NTEE Type | Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness and Relief |
Classification | Educational Organization |
Subsection | 501(c)(3) (View the list of codes) |
Activities | |
Foundation Status | Organization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes. 509(a)(2) |
Deductibility | Contributions are deductible |
Affiliation | Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). |
Group Name | [Not Applicable] |
Ruling Date | January, 2016 |
Asset Amount | $0 |
Income Amount | $0 |
Form 990 Revenue Amount | $0 |
Latest Form 990 Return | December, 2016 |
Filing Requirement | 990 - Required to file Form 990-N - Income less than $50,000 per year |
Fiscal Year End | December |
The data displayed in this profile is provided by the IRS for free in the form of Publication 78 and the Business Master File (BMF).
We invite you to share your opinions, thoughts, experiences, and stories about this charity here to help inform the decisions of other donors.
Need more help getting started? Check out our FAQs.
This tool is not for questions about Charity Navigator, such as how we derived this charity’s rating. We will happily answer those questions if you contact us directly. Likewise, if you have questions for this charity, then we encourage you to contact the charity directly (we include the charity’s contact information in the upper left-hand corner of this page) since few charities regularly monitor this commenting tool.
Recovery. DEBRIS Removal. Small business Community Service Opportunity, and Home Owner
Debris removal is an essential part
of the recovery process from tornedoes, hurricanes, flooding, and even snow
removal.
Community engagement planning,
and overall emergency management planning must consider debris removal as a
vital part of recovery.
For small business transportation,
hauling, and waste management companies this provides a vital service in your and
neighboring communities recovery. If
interested register with your local
emergency management, transportation, or other public agency for when times of
disasters strike, your expertise is needed in recovery.
BEMA
International
Small Business Contracting
Opportunities (Nationally)
https://www.fema.gov/debris-removal-contractor-registry-information
Debris Removal Contractor Registry Information
FEMA is no longer hosting the Debris
Removal Contractor Registry in an effort to streamline the Federal government
enterprise structure.
To replace this capability, you may use the
contractor registry at SAM.gov hosted by the United States General Services
Administration at the link provided below.
SAM.gov provides a similar service to that provided
by the Debris Removal Contractor Registry: contractors may register their
business information on the site, including capabilities and locations
served, and those seeking assistance from companies providing debris removal
services may search for such companies on SAM.gov.
The
SAM.gov registry is available
here: www.sam.gov.
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Debris
Removal – Homeowners
09/16/2017 03:38 PM EDT
FEMA has authorized Clean and Removal Assistance (CRA)
for all designated counties in Texas for homeowners with disaster-related
real property damage that do not qualify for Home Repair Assistance because
the damage did not render the home uninhabitable.
This assistance is intended to prevent additional loss
and potential health and safety concerns and reduce contamination from
floodwater.
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09/16/2017 05:15 PM EDT
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians begin the cleanup process after Hurricane
Irma, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges everyone to know
the best way to remove debris from their property.
Don’t wait to clean up storm damage. Document damage
with photos or videos.
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Friday, September 15, 2017
Vince Davis Interview. EP 26 Preparing The Tribal Community
/http://www.emweekly.com/ep-26-preparing-tribal-community/
Listen or read the interview with BEMA International member
Vince Davis
"Every community has its own nuances. I’m creating right now with another group of folks that I’m working with a black family preparedness handbook. Very, very similar to the native book, but very nuanced in the way that African American communities get information, communicate with one another. Again, as you attested to earlier, less than 24%, according to some recent studies, of African American families have done anything to prepare for a disaster."
Listen or read the interview with BEMA International member
Vince Davis
"Every community has its own nuances. I’m creating right now with another group of folks that I’m working with a black family preparedness handbook. Very, very similar to the native book, but very nuanced in the way that African American communities get information, communicate with one another. Again, as you attested to earlier, less than 24%, according to some recent studies, of African American families have done anything to prepare for a disaster."
Hurricane Irma Related Resources & Information for Businesses
Pertinent information for all business communities after a disaster, and in future planning.
Business Continuity Planning (BCP) must be a key factor in your overall business planning not only during times of plenty, but during times of crisis.
CDS CEO. BEMA International
FROM OUR NETWORK FRIEND AT
Manchester Trade Limited Inc. International Business Advisors
Hello Florida SBDC at FIU Clients and Partners:
State of Florida Business Damage Assessment
Other Business Resources
Stay safe,
Business Continuity Planning (BCP) must be a key factor in your overall business planning not only during times of plenty, but during times of crisis.
CDS CEO. BEMA International
FROM OUR NETWORK FRIEND AT
Manchester Trade Limited Inc. International Business Advisors
1875 I Street NW - 5th floor. Washington, DC 20006 Tel 202-624-3195
Hello Florida SBDC at FIU Clients and Partners:
We hope you, your family and your employees are
safe. Like you, we have been recovering from the impact of Hurricane Irma
on Miami-Dade County. For the benefit of our clients and partners, below
please find updated information on Irma-related resources.
State of Florida Business Damage Assessment
- The State of Florida has
initiated a survey which will help determine the physical and economic
impact to businesses from Hurricane Irma.
- This survey is now live.
If your business has been impacted by Irma, we encourage you to fill out
the survey. This will assist State/Local authorities in determining
the scope of impact and what type, if any, of additional financial
assistance to provide to businesses.
- The survey is available in
English, Spanish, and Creole.
- The English version is
available online here: http://www.flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda
- Si usted prefiere completar la
encuesta en español, esta disponible aquÃ: http://www.flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda&lang=sp
SBA Disaster Assistance
- Businesses in Miami-Dade County
are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for damages from Hurricane Irma.
- Businesses and private
nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair
or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and
equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
- Applicants may be eligible for
a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as
verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes.
- Loans are also available for
businesses that did not receive physical damage but were economically
impacted due to the disaster.
- Interest rates are as low as
3.305 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations,
1.75 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan
amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s
financial condition.
- More information is available at: https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance
- Applicants may apply online
using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website
at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
Florida Small Business
Emergency Bridge Loan Program
- Businesses in Miami-Dade County
are also eligible for assistance from the Florida bridge loan program for
physical or economic impact from Hurricane Irma.
- These short-term, interest-free
working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a
major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term
recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business,
receipt of payments on insurance claims, or Federal disaster assistance.
- Loan amounts can be from $1,000
to $25,000. The loan term is 90 or 180 days based on
individual business circumstances. Loans will be interest-free for
the loan term but must be repaid in full by the end of the loan term or
penalties apply.
- Applications will be accepted
through October 31, 2017 contingent on the availability of funds.
- More information can be
reviewed here: http://www.floridadisasterloan.org/
Florida SBDC at FIU Resources
- Our team of experienced business consultants is
available to offer confidential, no-cost advising to business owners
impacted by Hurricane Irma.
- More information on our program and the services that
we offer can be viewed here: http://sbdc.fiu.edu
Other Business Resources
- Miami-Dade County Emergency Information - You can view
information on transit, curfews and other emergency information
here: http://www.miamidade.gov/emergency/
- Floridadisaster.org/info
– This is the website for the State of Florida and the Office of Emergency
Management. Here you can view press releases, review activated
programs, and receive other Irma-related emergency information. The
website is here: http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/
- Disasterassistance.gov
- This is the general disaster assistance website from the Federal
Government. You can view your eligibility based upon location and
determine available programs. The website is available here: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- Florida Short-Term Compensation – The Short Time Compensation
Program is a voluntary employer program designed to help employers
maintain their staff by reducing the weekly working hours during temporary
slowdowns instead of temporarily laying off employees. More
information here: http://www.floridajobs.org/office-directory/division-of-workforce-services/reemployment-assistance-programs/short-time-compensation-program-for-employees
- CareerSource South Florida services – CareerSource
South Florida administers programs to assist businesses with training
needs and employees with re-employment. Contact CareerSource South Florida
to learn more about its One-Stop services that may help you. Their
website is here: http://www.careersourcesfl.com/
Stay safe,
Florida SBDC at FIU
(305) 779-9230
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Warning Letter to Harvey and Irma Survivors from Katrina Survivor. Bill Quigley
This sums up our concerns within BEMA International.
Spread this message, not only for the survivors of these current disasters,
BUT CONSIDER THESE FACTORS in your individual, family, and community
preparedness planning for a disaster that may strike your community.
BE SAFE, BE PREPARED NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
Charles D. Sharp
CEO. BEMA International
"We Stand As One"
Spread this message, not only for the survivors of these current disasters,
BUT CONSIDER THESE FACTORS in your individual, family, and community
preparedness planning for a disaster that may strike your community.
BE SAFE, BE PREPARED NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
Charles D. Sharp
CEO. BEMA International
"We Stand As One"
Your Alternative
Newsletter - News, Arts, Culture & Entertainment!
Thursday,
September 14, 2017
For Immediate Release
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Warning
Letter to Harvey and Irma Survivors from Katrina Survivor
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Guest
Commentary by Bill Quigley
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Dear
Fellow Hurricane Survivors:
Our hearts go out to you as you try to return to and fix your homes and lives. Based on our experiences, here are a few things you should watch out for as you rebuild your communities. One. Rents are going to skyrocket and waves of evictions are likely. With so many houses damaged and so many highly paid contractors coming into your region whose companies will pay anything to house them, landlords are going to start evicting people to make way for higher paying occupants. Work with local organizations to enact a moratorium on evictions and a freeze on rents to allow working and low income people to come home and have a place to stay. Two. Rip off contractors and vulture businesses are probably already on the scene. Don't give money to anyone unless you know and trust them and do not pay for everything in advance! Three. Take pictures of everything that was damaged and hold onto all receipts for all your disaster expenses. Get a special binder and keep all your papers in it. Sadly, the process of getting assistance is going to last for years for many people and you will need to prove what damage you. Four. Right after a disaster there is an outpouring of compassion, support and solidarity. Take what you need for your community. But realize the window of compassion and support shuts much quicker than it should. Then people will start blaming the victims. Five. Insist on transparency, accountability and participation in all public and private funding sources for disaster relief. The government is yours and ours. We need them in times of disaster but they can also be the biggest obstacle to a just recovery. Demand they tell the public what is going on and consult with all parts of our communities, not just the rich and well connected usual suspects. Same problems arise when dealing with the private relief organizations from the biggest private disaster relief organization to many other smaller groups. Six. Insist on telling your own story. Your truth is a jewel that shines brightest in your own hands. If you are going to work with journalists or others make sure the real truth is told, not just the sensational or heart rending stories of poor, powerless victims. You may have been victimized by the hurricane but you are a powerful survivor! Seven. Unless you are rich enough to try to go this alone, you have to join together with others to make your voice heard. Many voices together are loud enough to force those in power to listen. Groups of people are far more effective than individual voices. Neighborhood organizations, church organizations, community organizations, join and work with others!
Eight.
Work in statewide coalitions. Statewide coalitions are very important because
many disaster relief decisions are made on the state level. You have to be
able to influence those decisions.
Nine. Identify members of Congress who you can work with. Many decisions are being made on the federal level. You have to make sure your voice is heard. After Katrina, the best voice for poor people in New Orleans was Congresswoman Maxine Waters from California! Now well known nationally as Superwoman, she was terrific advocate for and with us. Ten. Prioritize the voices of women. Men push to the front when the cameras are on and when the resources are being handed out. But in the long run, it is usually the women who are the most reliable family anchors. Eleven. Don't allow those in power to forget about the people whose voices are never heard. People in nursing homes, people in hospitals, the elderly, the disabled, children, the working poor, renters, people of color, immigrants and prisoners. There is no need to be a voice for the voiceless, because all these people have voices, they are just not listened to. Help lift their voices and their stories up because the voices of business and industry and people with money and connections will do just fine. It is our other sisters and brothers who are always pushed to the back of the line. Stand with them as they struggle to reclaim their rightful place. Twelve. Consider the experiences of other disaster survivors. After Katrina a group of us went to India to connect with our sisters and brothers who survived a much more devastating tsunami. We met and formulated a list of Lessons Learned. The end of an article I wrote about this experience concluded with these thoughts. "Right, not charity is our common demand. Human rights, not bureaucratic eligibility criteria, must be the foundation for relief, recovery and rebuilding. People have human rights to food and shelter and the opportunity and assistance necessary to live a life of dignity. The government must respect and implement human rights. The degradations and delays and disrespect of eligibility applications for basic human necessities must cease. Human rights must be our shared basis for going forward. Internationally, if the bottom of the North can link up with the bottom of the South, human rights will be our shared language. The final and best piece of advice I received was from T. Peter, head of the Kerala Fish Workers Association. Their organization has struggled with elected officials, private companies, and the caste system in all phases of life. He leaned over, his dark face split by a broad smile, and told me what we in the U.S. should be doing to bring about justice for our gulf coast: "Less meeting, more fighting!" And so we will." Realize that you have human rights to return to your community and to be made whole. Protect your human rights and the human rights of others.
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William P. Quigley is a law professor and Director of the Law Clinic and the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center at Loyola University New Orleans.
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