Michigan steps up to help residents evacuated by dam break
As mid-Michigan residents face the devastating effects of the Edenville Dam collapse, people across the state are pitching in to offer help and support those chased from their homes.
Michigan residents, businesses and nonprofits are inundating Facebook’s Midland County dam collapse crisis response page, offering things like lodging, transportation, clothes, diapers, and pet supplies to those in need.
In addition to the hundreds of people who have offered up their homes, boats, and emergency household items, aid is already available from a number of organizations across mid-Michigan.
“Even in the hardest-hit spots, there are sources of inspiration,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told the media during a Wednesday press conference in Midland.
- The Farwell Labor Day Committee has offered the Farwell Fairgrounds in Clare County.
- The Humane Society of Midland County is offering emergency shelter for pets that have been displaced by the flood, as well as pet supplies such as dog and cat food and cat litter. https://www.facebook.com/hsomcshelter/posts/3267719269905322
- Broader Borders, a Gladwin-area dog day care facility, is also offering temporary shelter for displaced pets. https://www.facebook.com/thebestplace2B/posts/578253689466522
- Footprints of Michigan, a nonprofit providing footwear to those in need, is offering new and gently used shoes to adults and children impacted by the flood. Flood victims can request assistance on the Footprints website by filling out the form on its Contact Us page or calling 877-811-7463.
- The Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau has assembled a list of hotels in the area currently open to flood victims. The Bureau is working to secure special flood relief emergency rates for these hotels and will update the list when the special rates are available. Flood victims should contact hotels directly for rates/availability in the meantime.
- Those in need of emergency assistance can call 2-1-1 to be connected to emergency shelters, supplies, clothing, financial support, and more. Local disaster relief resources can also be found at reliefmidland.org.
- Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to register online with the United Way of Midland County.
- Donations can be made to the Midland Area Community Foundation Flood Relief Project Fund, which will provide for disaster relief in Midland County with the funds to be directed by the Midland County long-term recovery group in consultation with the Midland County emergency manager. Donations can also be made to the Rise Together Fund at the United Way of Midland County. Donations made to the fund will be matched dollar for dollar up to $500,000.
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