struck earlier this year by a tornado.

Minister of Health and Social Services the Hon. Quinton Edness said the families have been referred to the appropriate agencies which will provide social assistance or counselling until they are able to continue on their own.

"A housing officer from the Housing Corporation worked out of St. Luke's Church Hall to assist with assessing damage costs, locating and getting competitive bids from contractors, relocating storm victims and negotiating with insurance companies,'' Mr. Edness said.

"...a Government emergency fund of $40,000 was made available to the Housing Corporation and instant loans were given to storm victims so that repairs on all damaged homes could begin immediately.'' In addition, $49,000 in public funds, including $10,000 from the Red Cross, was received by the East End Ministerial Alliance St. David's Island Relief Fund.

The funds will be used to reimburse the victims of the March 21 storm for the losses they suffered. Loans made from the Government Emergency Fund are expected to be repaid once donated funds are dispersed.