June 28, 2017 – The 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 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 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 2 p.m.
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 at http://bit.ly/floodform2017 or via the Midland 911 website at www.midland911.org.
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ABOUT UNITED WAY OF MIDLAND COUNTY
United Way of Midland County works to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life – Education, Health and Self-Sufficiency. They recruit the people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. They invite everyone to be a part of changing out community by giving, advocating and volunteering.
ABOUT MIDLAND AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Since 1973, area residents have been turning to the Midland Area Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern to improve the quality of life in our community.
