VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

RARE is searching for "skilled" volunteer groups, who would be gracious enough to help our rebuilding efforts. Please feel free to contact us at any time, if are willing and able to participate.

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Helping Rebuild and Recover

The most immediate purpose of RARE is to respond to the relief and recovery efforts made necessary by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. RARE will solicit and accept donations to support human needs including food, clothing and shelter for individuals and families. Support will be in the form of volunteer hours, direct financial support and/or material support. RARE will work with local, regional, state and national organizations and government to facilitate case management and to integrate response to this disaster as part of a Long Term Recovery Organization. RARE will strive to maximize the effectiveness of coordinated volunteer efforts throughout our service area so that the immediate needs of all our communities can be met.

Copyright © 2011 Rural Area Revitalization Effort, Inc. (R.A.R.E.)

WHO WE ARE

Our Mission

The Rural Area Revitalization Effort is a non-profit organization committed to the mission of providing relief and support to the distressed and deprived areas within our communities in our area of rural upstate New York. RARE is committed to assisting individuals, businesses and communities by providing financial, logistical, emotional and spiritual support and by promoting programs and activities in critical areas of need, including housing, economic development, communication and education.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Keith GrahamBarbara MannPeter FoxCharles B. GockelGeoffrey EksteinCynthia LockrowBrian Young

Certificate of Incorporation - RARE (M0474556).pdf

RARE Bylaws (M0474579).pdf

WHAT WE DO

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Housing Needs: RARE will engage the communities in the service area focusing on primary residents who are in need of safe housing. Housing services will include aiding, assisting and fostering the planning, development, renewal, and improvement of housing and other buildings for the primary purpose of revitalizing communities and in securing improved housing, commercial buildings and community facilities. Case Management will be used to determine unmet needs. RARE will direct volunteer efforts in the rebuilding/rehabilitating of homes as well as purchasing or collecting donated materials to facilitate the rebuilding/rehabilitating. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Economic Development Needs: RARE will facilitate comprehensive community planning and development including assisting businesses and communities as an important and vital contributor to the economic health of our region, by participating in projects that will have a positive impact on employment and broaden our communities’ tax base. We will develop strong working relationships with the local business community, private financial institutions, counties and chambers of commerce. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Communication Needs: RARE will endeavor to assist communities within the service area with securing high speed internet access and cellular communications. Much of the service area lacks such essential communications. A significant factor in difficulties experienced during the initial stages of the disaster and the immediate aftermath was lack of appropriate and reliable communications, specifically the lack of cellular service. This lack of cellular service hindered response to needs as they were identified and exacerbated an already challenging situation. Additionally, lack of high speed internet access further challenges a financially depressed region in attracting and retaining residents and business alike. This lack of access to the internet is also a significant handicap to the students of the local school district. RARE will work with municipal authorities, local business communities as well as industry and foundations to achieve the goal of universal access to high speed internet and cellular service. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Education Needs: It is the understanding of RARE that education is at the foundation of our ability to revitalize communities and as such will work with all community stakeholders to provide meaningful educational services. These services will include financial education to equip residents to manage finances appropriately, especially in the wake of disaster. Working with local school districts as well as higher education across the region, RARE will provide training to residents in computers, specific job skills training and other identifiable educational and training goals which will meet the needs of businesses, industry and the community at large.

WHERE WE WORK

Blenheim

North Blenheim

Over 30 homes within this community have serious damages. All requiring some level of rebuilding.

Breakabeen

Even though Breakabeen is a small community, the damage that has occured to its infrastructure and homes, is quite large!

Prattsville

All that can be said is WOW!!!! This community has been completely devestated!!!

Breakabeen - Fulton"more to come"
Conesville - Prattsville"more to come"

North Blenheim - Gilboa"more to come"

WAYS TO GIVE

R.A.R.E. is actively seeking volunteer groups and charitible donations. If you would like to support our efforts, please feel free to contact us.

Rural Area Revitalization Effort, Inc.

125 Creamery Road

North Blenheim, NY 12131

Tel: (518) 827-3166

Email: info_rareny.org