Project Hope Ending Post-Irene Services

A support program that has been helping people in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in New York’s North Country is ending.

Project Hope has provided outreach to those in need in the wake of last year’s storm disaster.  Crisis counselors went door to door in Clinton and Essex Counties to assure that everyone who needed help received aid. Project Hope Program Coordinator Gretch Sando.

Project Hope Crisis Counselor Fred Balzac.

Project Hope Team Leader and Crisis Counselor Dale Dowdle says more than a year later, they are still encountering people in need.

After 14 months in the field Project Hope is shutting down. Dale Dowdle explains that the intent was that Project Hope would be a one-year program.

Program Coordinator Gretch Sando says Project Hope had a specific role in Irene recovery that is now completed.

Project Hope services were provided thru the Mental Health Association in Essex County and administered by the state office of Mental Health thru a federal grant from FEMA and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration Services.

Catholic Charities Disaster Case Manager Dana Kelly can be contacted at 518-561-0470