For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Brandi Hinkle, DHS Deputy Chief of Communications
[email protected] 
501-683-5286 desk or 501-350-5380 mobile

DHS State Voluntary Agency Liaison Assisting Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

The State Voluntary Agency Liaison from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Communications and Community Engagement was deployed Friday to Austin, Texas, for the next two weeks to assist with volunteer management as part of the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in the gulf.

In her position, Susan Love acts on behalf of DHS to coordinate volunteer groups’ efforts with state agencies, assesses community needs during disasters, manages volunteers and donations, and supports efforts to develop long-term strategies.

It is through a request from the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and approval from the Office of the Governor that she is able to participate in the relief efforts on behalf of the state.
She will be serving in the federal Joint Field Office, which provides a central location for the coordination of federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local governments, and private sector and nongovernmental organizations with primary responsibility for response and recovery.  

“The devastation Hurricane Harvey dealt Texas was extensive, and volunteers will be critical to recovery," said Amy Webb, DHS chief communications and community engagement officer. “We are proud Susan has been recognized for her skills and that she can use them to help our neighbors."
For more information about ways to assist the relief efforts, visit www.volunteerar.org.

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