SEMA Announces Disaster Donation System

SEMA today announces Missouri has become the fifth state to use a new donations management system, AidMatrix. AidMatrix is a web based program used to register, track, and link undesignated and unsolicited donated goods and services. This new program was launched with a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Anyone wishing to make a donation to the disaster response in Missouri can go to SEMA’s home page at: http://sema.dps.mo.gov and click on the link to Donations for Missouri Flood Response. Citizens or businesses can donate to either the immediate flood response or to long term recovery efforts in Missouri. This software allows Missouri receive donations from all over the country and the world. The donor can track the items and make sure they are delivered to a specific community in a timely manner," Ron M. Reynolds, SEMA Director said.
Reynolds noted that Missouri’s 211 system was able to use AidMatrix to match a donation with community during the recent March/April flooding in Southern Missouri.
"Currently, cash donations are urgently needed for long term recover services for flooding victims," said Dante Gliniecki, SEMA Statewide Volunteer Coordinator.
The AidMatrix Network can manage donated goods, and cash donations. Eventually, it will also help match volunteer capabilities to communities. For example, it will be able to match a transportation company volunteering to transport donated goods to a specific community.
The donor can log onto Missouri’s Donations website to make a donation offer and within minutes their donation offer will be acted upon. These donations may take the form of goods, services and cash. This summer the volunteer component will allow those willing to volunteer their time to also log onto the website to volunteer.
Local governments and volunteer agencies can log onto the system to accept a donation, arrange transportation and have it delivered directly to the location where most needed. Also, the AidMatrix software allows local governments and volunteer agencies to post items needed from the public.