Donations needed to help tornado victims in Greene, Owen, Monroe

United Way of Monroe County announced it has opened a Relief Fund and is seeking donations to support short and long-term recovery from the recent tornadoes and severe weather for low-and moderate-income individuals and families throughout Greene, Owen and Monroe counties.

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 food, prescription and medical supplies, household supplies, home repairs, furniture, and appliances. In the long-term, needed supports, which may include insurance deductibles and repairs to vehicles and homes, will be determined by committees in each affected county.

This new fund is in partnership with Emergency Management officials in the three-county area. 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 15 tornadoes.

“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.

In the three-county area, Greene County was hit particularly hard by an F2 tornado, with damaging winds between 120-130 mph, that has caused considerable damage. At least 70 homes were damaged and three homes destroyed. Many of those affected do not have insurance and have suffered a great financial loss.

Residents needing urgent assistance should contact the American Red Cross at 888-684-1441. American Red Cross of Indiana volunteers have been conducting damage assessment and providing water and snacks in communities across Greene, Owen, and Monroe counties.

Donors may give online at www.monroeunitedway.org/disaster or may send checks to United Way of Monroe County. 431 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403.

About United Way of Monroe County:

United Way of Monroe County improves people’s lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through its Community Action Fund and grant initiatives, United Way works with 24 member agencies and community partners in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earning, and the essentials.