United Way Developing Phase II Funding Process for Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund

The United Way Board of Trustees laid groundwork for the distribution of money given to the Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund at its monthly meeting this week.

A committee comprised of tornado victims from each affected neighborhood, along with representation from Indian Lake schools, the Lakeview and Russells Point business and faith communities, and the United Way Board, will convene next Tuesday to develop the criteria and allocation methods. An announcement about how to apply for assistance will be made at that time.

To date, $935,863 has flooded in from more than 2,400 supporters across the country in response to the F3 tornado that ripped through the region on March 14. Dozens of fundraisers by local businesses and groups have also been coordinated. 100 percent of the money donated to the Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund will be used for recovery efforts.

“We have received an unprecedented level of support for our Indian Lake community in the last week,” said Dave Bezusko, United Way Executive Director. “Consider that this pot of money didn’t even exist one week ago. We’ve brought in as much money in 10 days as we did all of last year.

“The important thing now is to make sure we’re responsible with these unrestricted funds entrusted to us and make sure they are used properly to make the greatest possible impact. It’s for the tornado victims. It’s important that they have a say in how and for what the money is distributed.”

The morning after the devastating storm, United Way released $100,000 of its own funds for a first phase of funding, going to agencies needing help providing immediate response.

To date, $87,347.16 has been used for the following purposes:

Aries Pharmacy – $1,000 to cover cost of prescription medication and copays for victims.
Liberty Roofing – $30,000 to provide roofing materials and repairs of uninsured victims.
Logan County Cancer Society – $5,000 to cover cost of lost medication / supplies for cancer patients.
Mary Rutan Foundation – $9,337.78 – to purchase and deliver generators for use in the immediate aftermath in the Indian Lake region.
Mary Rutan Foundation – $10,000 to cover cost of prescription medication and copays for victims.
Peak of Hope Homeless Shelter – $20,000 for temporary hotel stays for medically fragile victims unable to utilize community emergency shelters.
RTC Services – $5,000 to provide transportation / shuttle service for victims who lost their cars.
TCN Behavioral Health – $5,000 to cover basic needs for their affected mental health clients.
United Way – $1,636.16 – to purchase equipment and supplies to set up the two Multi-Agency Resource Centers.
United Way – $233.81 – to rent and deliver portable storage units to downtown Lakeview.
United Way – $139.41 – a floodlight for a materials distribution point in downtown Lakeview.

In addition, United Way is coordinating two Multi-Agency Resource Centers for any tornado victims. More than 400 affected households have already visited to meet with representatives from state and local agencies such as American Red Cross, Bridges Community Action, Community Health & Wellness Partners, Logan County Department of Job & Family Services, and multiple government and non-profit agencies to apply for benefits and other assistance. The Multi-Agency Resource Centers are open at the following locations and hours:

Russells Point – behind Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop 337 E. Main St. Russells Point)

Lakeview – next to Osgood Bank 165 E. Lake St.

Wednesday 3/27 – 8AM to 6PM
Thursday 3/28 – 10AM to 7PM
Friday 3/29 – 8AM to 6PM
Saturday 3/30 – 10AM to 7PM

United Way has also been working with local officials and humanitarian groups to help disseminate critical information for victims and donors of material assistance.
Please visit the TORNADO RESPONSE page at www.uwlogan.org for more information.