A few weeks ago, many of us had never heard of a derecho.
Now, the Iowa City community has learned that vocabulary lesson all too well, with 100+ mile per hour winds rolling through, leaving mass destruction behind. If you need help with clean up or aid resources, we’ve compiled a round-up of storm resources for residents in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty.
If you’re getting back to normal and your “Iowa nice” is kicking in, our neighbors in cities hit harder than ours could really use our help.
Not sure where to start? Here is a list of groups that are providing emergency supplies, clearing debris, supplying food, and generally trying to get people back to normal (whatever that means in 2020 — seriously!).
Consider donating, volunteering, or advocating on behalf of our greater eastern Iowa community.
Whatever way you choose to help, it’s going to make a difference.
Support General Disaster Relief
- 8 Days of Hope
- Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Disaster Fund
- Iowa Giving Crew
- Keller Williams Legacy Group Derecho Response
Bring donations to 4850 Armar Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids
Email: [email protected], Venmo @iowaderecho, Paypal [email protected]
This group is cooking free meals for the community, delivering essentials, and generally being amazing neighbors! Text 319-432-9754 to tell them when you’re available to volunteer and if you have access to a vehicle. Donation needs include: ice, extension cords, flashlights, candles, gas cans, fuel, bar and chain oil, 2-cycle/4-cyle oil, non-perishable foods, coolers, and charcoal. - Salvation Army Cedar Rapids
- Samaritan’s Purse
- United Way of Eastern Central Iowa
Support Meal and Food Resources
- HACAP – Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
- Horizons Meals on Wheels or call 319-398-3574
- Coralville Food Pantry
Support Families with Infants and Toddlers
Support Animals
Support Schools
More than 30 schools in Cedar Rapids were damaged in the storm. The district needs support.
Advocate
Tell our elected leaders that Cedar Rapids and eastern Iowa need FEMA support following this major disaster. We may be “Iowa strong” but we shouldn’t have to do this alone!
- Call Gov. Kim Reynolds: 515-281-5211
- Call Sen. Chuck Grassley: 202-224-3744
- Call Sen. Joni Ernst: 202-224-3254
- Call Rep. Abby Finkenauer: 563-557-7789
- Call Rep. Dave Loebsack: 202-225-6576
If you’re reading from outside Iowa and want to help advocate, you can call the United States Capitol Switchboard and an operator will connect you with the senator for your state: 202-224-3121
If you’ve never called your legislators before, it’s pretty simple and usually takes just a minute or two. Here’s an idea of what you can say:
“Hi, my name is _______, and I’m a constituent who lives in ___________. I’m calling because I’m really concerned about the struggle to rebuild after the derecho in eastern Iowa. Can you please tell the Senator/Representative that I’d like them to push for FEMA support for our community?”
The person taking the message will thank you and tell you that they’ll pass on the message and you’re done. Quick and easy!
If you didn’t find what you were looking for here or want to connect with individuals to find out what they need, check out the Iowa Derecho Storm Resource Facebook Page, where thousands of community members are coming together to help each other and find the resources they need.
