(Atlanta) - The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) announces a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to help offset the impact of 2017’s Hurricane Irma on Georgians with disabilities.

A Category 5 storm at its strongest, Irma made landfall in September of that year, wreaking havoc across the Atlantic islands, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas, causing at least 134 deaths and inflicting damage across the southeast. In Georgia, much of the property loss came due to flooding along the coastal areas, though inland counties reported downed power lines, fallen trees and wind damage as well.

“While we’re more than a year out from Irma, the impact is still evident,” said GVRA Executive Director Sean T. Casey. “In some communities, people with disabilities who were already dealing with added challenges were handed a real blow they didn’t need, and it’s been tough to get back on their feet. This grant will help them take advantage of opportunities to replace medical equipment, lost clothing, find temporary housing, and cover costs related to job searching.”

While the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency administers the grant statewide, applicants need not be VR clients to be eligible.

GVRA’s Kelly Perry, who works in the Dublin office, reviews applications and processes the grant. “Most people are surprised at the resources that exist,” Perry said. “When the U.S. Department of Labor made these funds available, they had the foresight to understand the extent to which all areas of people’s lives can be impacted, long-term, by natural disaster. We’re pleased to be able to help.”

Funds will be administered as long as they remain financially available. Potential applicants may learn more by contacting Kelly Perry at [email protected] or calling (877) 245-5542.

Media Contact: Robin Folsom, Director of Communications and Marketing, (404) 922-1303