News Release: Disaster Relief Fund opened in response to flooding, resource center to open this week
June 27th, 2017The Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF) and United Way of Midland County have jointly established a Disaster Relief Fund, just days after Midland experienced its worst flooding in decades.
Up to $75,000 has been approved by foundation trustees, and community members are being asked to donate to the fund at www.midlandfoundation.org. United Way is coordinating volunteer efforts with the American Red Cross. Interested volunteers can sign up online at https://eportal.unitedwaymidland.org/flood.
“Both United Way and the community foundation are concerned with those suffering damages and loss due to flooding,” said Sharon Mortensen, MACF President & CEO. “We wanted to establish a fund so help can quickly get to those impacted. To that end, a Disaster Relief Fund was opened at the foundation, and both agencies are utilizing their skills and resources to help those in need.”
“We’re estimating 3,000 homes have some kind of damage,” said Ann Fillmore, United Way of Midland County Executive Director. “We know that 50 homes were completely destroyed, and over 250 are unlivable. Our thoughts are with our friends and neighbors in need, and we want you to know that we’re here to help.”
A multi-agency relief center is being established at the Midland County ESA building, located at 3917 Jefferson Avenue. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Department of Health & Human Services and others will be on hand to provide assistance.
Gift cards and other assistance will be available to affected households at the ESA building on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10AM – 7PM, and Saturday from 10AM – 2PM, with plans to reopen on Wednesday, July 5th. Food distribution trucks provided by Hidden Harvest will be available at ESA on Wednesday at 10AM, as well as West Midland Family Center at 2PM.
100% of donations to the Disaster Relief Fund will go toward those impacted, under the direction of the Midland County Office for Emergency Management. To qualify, residents must first report flood damage through the Midland 911 website, found here: http://bit.ly/2sUacOC, or by calling (989)-837-3500.
