GAYLORD, M.I., May 28, 2025- Otsego County is too familiar that disaster recovery can be a protracted process. The START (Services, Tools, Assistance, Resources, and Talents) Collaborative is working for the humanitarian component of ice storm recovery to be timely and orderly. During this calamity, the START Collaborative has served as the centralized group prioritizing the needs of vulnerable households affected.
The START Collaborative was developed after the May 2022 tornado, as the vision of the Gaylord Long Term Recovery Group (GLTRG) and is managed by Otsego County United Way (OCUW). This coalition fosters coordination among local, state, and federal government, nonprofit agencies, the private sector, and stakeholders interested in developing sustainable outcomes for Otsego County’s deficiencies. The START Collaborative will now serve as the governing body for the Disaster Long Term Recovery Group (DLTRG, formerly GLTRG). Their mission is to collectively provide support to individuals and families affected by any disaster in Otsego County.
Individuals that are facing hardships because of the ice storm can call 211 for case management. Melissa McDonnell, START Navigator, will then screen callers, and identify unmet needs. A recovery plan will be put in place using START Collaborative partners as referrals to access financial, physical/mental health, and recovery help.
“I am proud of the seeds the START Collaborative has planted. We are developing systems that reinforce an equitable network, striving to improve the well-being of the most unprotected people in our community. The preemptive tasks we did between tragedies are allowing us to respond to this ice storm cooperatively and holistically,” said McDonnell.
The START Collaborative is funded by the: Otsego Community Foundation’s (OCF) Lampert Family Fund, Gahm Family Fund and Disaster Response Fund; Michigan Health Endowment Fund; and OCUW.
“We are in a paradoxical situation of knowing how to move through the phases of disaster strategically. The solid footings built will help stabilize and revitalize the community to reduce the impact of future catastrophic events, ” said Dana Bensinger, Executive Director, OCF, “211 and the START Collaborative will play a vital role in healing during the intermediate recovery phase, addressing citizen’s challenges post ice storm, and empowering them to plan for the next emergency.”
Since 2020 OCF and OCUW have aimed to improve cross-sector teamwork and decrease duplication of services.
“The lens of resource gaps and unmet needs becomes remarkably clear during a crisis. The opportunity for reflection will not be wasted on us. The START Collaborative is driven to strengthen and advance solutions that increase organizational capacity to best serve those facing barriers to assistance- especially during chaotic-unforeseen circumstances,” said Kimberly Akin, Executive Director of the OCUW.
If you are an Otsego County resident that has faced adversity due to the ice storm, please call 211. Priority will be given to the most endangered individuals impacted by the ice storm. Using principles rooted in equity and fairness. These values allow the DLTRG to maximize resource allocation and improve community outcomes. Vetting by age, disability, pre-existing conditions, risk of injury, homelessness, and one’s ability to access basic human needs for survival.
AUTHOR:
Erin Mann, Disaster Recovery Consultant erin@teastratgies.com
517.819.8070
CONTACT:
Melissa McDonnell, START Navigator Otsego County United Way
116 E. 5th Street
Gaylord, MI 49735
989.732.8929