United Way starts recovery fund for storm victims
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The United Way is jumping in to help in response to the devastating storms that left damage all over parts of Southeast Missouri.
United Way of Southeast Missouri has created a Heartland Recovery Fund to collect donations that will assist people in the four counties they cover which includes Bollinger, Perry, Cape Girardeau, and northern Scott counties.
People who do not have insurance or whose needs are not covered by their policy should call 211.
In Missouri, 211 has call centers in both St. Louis and Kansas City with trained representatives who will establish a file for tornado victims. 211 staff can direct callers to emergency child and pet care, nutrition centers and food pantries, and temporary housing throughout the state. They also will be kept informed of additional resources and local agencies giving support.
Elizabeth Shelton, UWSEMO Executive Director, and nearly 100 representatives from organizations across the state participated in an online VOAD call, which stands for Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. During the call representatives of a wide variety of service-oriented organizations coordinate services and share information.
Organizations include area health departments, the American Red Cross, churches, Emergency Management Services, and 211, which is funded by United Ways across the state.
Donations can be made safely online at https://unitedwayofsemo.org/donate, via credit card by calling the UWSEMO office at 573-334-9634 or by sending a checked with “Recovery Fund” in the memo to the UWSEMO office at 1417D N. Mt. Auburn Rd., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Because the nonprofit is in the process of moving to a new location, mail received after April 1 will be forwarded to: 16 N. Spanish St.,
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.
