Deadline approaching: Red Cross aid for Butler County storm victims available until May 18
BUTLER COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The deadline is coming up for Butler County residents affected by the early April severe weather to receive financial assistance from the American Red Cross.
Red Cross external relations volunteer Donna Davis said there are five days left for people to respond and accept the Red Cross’s invitation to proceed.
She said they’ve reached out through phone calls, texts, and emails with QR codes, but not everyone has responded.
“There’s always, ‘oh, I’m doing okay. There’s somebody that needs it worse than me,’ but that’s not what we do,” she said. “Everybody that’s been affected by this, that we’ve tried to make contact with is eligible because they’ve received either major or destroyed damage on their residences.”
Davis said the financial assistance is a gift from the American people, and there’s no catch. It doesn’t have to be paid back.
“It’s neighbors helping neighbors,” she said, “and if you spend the funds that you’re authorized in your local area, it helps the businesses in your area recover as well.”
Butler County emergency management director Robbie Myers has been busy in the community since March when an EF-3 tornado hit the area, which was followed by flooding and wind damage from severe weather in April.
He said recovery efforts are moving forward — but the road ahead is long. There will be long term needs.
“Right now it’s kind of at a lull,” he said. “We’re finishing up the contractors picking up green debris curbside — both city and county. So, we’ll be having some more opportunities for people to get involved as we reach the summer months.”
The deadline for individuals to respond to the messages from Red Cross is May 18. After that no new cases will be opened. For additional questions, call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Anyone who needs mental health support following the severe weather may contact the Disaster Distress Helpline free of charge to talk to someone who can assist. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
