The CNMI Department of Corrections has launched a door-to-door relief effort aimed at reaching residents without transportation, senior citizens, and people with disabilities who are unable to access distribution sites following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Sigmund.
DOC Commissioner Anthony Torres said the initiative, which started last May 8, was organized under the direction of Gov. David M. Apatang and has already reached dozens of homes in hard-to-access areas across Saipan.
“So this effort, the idea, and the vision of this came about a couple of days ago,” Torres said. “Under the leadership of Governor Apatang, we decided to get together and just grab the bull by the horns and say, ‘You know what, let’s start distributing to these areas, to these vulnerable individuals who live in areas that are really hard, have no transportation, are special needs, have a disability, who need the assistance.’”
Torres said several organizations and volunteers quickly joined the effort, including the American Red Cross, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marianas Health Services, Casa Marianas, members of the House of Representatives, and Volunteers Active in Disaster or VOAD.
“People started pouring in,” he said. “We got American Red Cross that came with a truckload of MREs and water. The Church of Jesus Christ donated a lot of food items and water as well.”
On the first day, the team covered areas including Precinct 4, As Matuis, Igigi Drive in Talofofo, and parts of San Vicente. Torres said the operation resumed the following day with five trucks, 16 DOC participants, six staff members, and additional volunteers.
The team also shifted part of its mission Friday morning to assist VOAD with loading and unloading relief supplies at the port for shipment to Tinian.
Torres described the experience of visiting damaged homes deep in remote areas as emotional.
“We’ve hit well over a couple dozen homes, homes that lost a lot,” he said. “And it was really sad to see. And this going around and meeting these individuals and seeing the devastation deep in the jungle on a deeper level was very emotional for me as we were out there.”
He added that many residents were grateful for the visits and assistance.
“But they were really happy to see us. They were very grateful,” Torres said. “And I’m grateful for my team. I’m grateful for everybody that’s coming together and that’s doing this.”
Torres said the long-term goal is to canvass the entire island and eventually expand assistance efforts to Tinian, focusing specifically on vulnerable populations.
“This is for the vulnerable populations, specifically the ones without transportation, of course, who live alone, who have a disability, who have special needs, who can’t get to these distribution sites,” he said. “That’s the whole mission.”
He acknowledged that the team does not have a formal list of residents needing help because of privacy restrictions, so they are relying on lawmakers, community organizations, and residents to identify people in need.
“If there’s any other individuals out there who want to reach out and say, ‘Hey, my elderly mother lives alone,’ or ‘my sister who has cancer, who has no transportation, who lives alone,’ call me, hit us up, leave it on the comment section,” Torres said. “I’ll look at it, put a pin on it and we’ll get there and drop some items off to you.”
Torres also encouraged more volunteers and organizations to participate in the outreach effort.
“We’re open to anybody who wants to help,” he said.
In a message to other community leaders, Torres urged more action on the ground.
“I’m all about action. Not too much talking. Done with the talking. People talk too much,” he said. “Let’s take some action and learn as we go.”
Asked for a message to typhoon survivors, Torres said: “Stay strong. We’re here. Do God’s work. Stay strong. We’re going to get through this.”
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