July 7, 2021— United Way of Monroe County, in cooperation with the Community Organizations Active in Disaster for Monroe County (MoCOAD), has opened a Relief Fund and is seeking donations to support short and long-term recovery from the recent flooding and severe weather for low- and moderate-income individuals and families throughout Monroe County.
Donated relief funds will assist those in the hardest-hit areas with needs that are unmet by traditional assistance programs. In the short term, this could include furniture, bedding, mattresses, household supplies, and appliances. In the long-term, needed supports may include insurance deductibles and repairs to vehicles and homes.
The fund is live on the United Way of Monroe County website and can be found at www.monroeunitedway.org/disaster. 100% of all money raised will be directed to victims of the June flooding.
“In the event of a disaster impacting this many households, we are seeking the community’s support in stabilizing as many as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Efrat Feferman, Executive Director of Monroe County. For families who are not asset-rich, any additional expenses incurred from such a traumatic event, along with missed work opportunities and added stress, can spiral quickly into financial instability or even long-term homelessness.
At least 140 families suffered severe damage to their homes. Approximately 50 families are currently living in temporary shelters, hotels, or residences as their homes are not habitable. Many of those affected do not have insurance and have suffered a great financial loss.
Residents needing assistance can contact Indiana 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 from your phone or visit https://in211.org) to find local resources or complete a Flood Damage Assessment (https://in211.communityos.org/idhs-damage-assessment) if not done so already.
Donors may give online at www.monroeunitedway.org/disaster or send checks (note “Flood Relief” on the check) to United Way of Monroe County, 431 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403.
