In response to the devastating tornadoes across the heartland, the United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) has created a Heartland Recovery Fund. Donations will assist people in UWSEMO’s four-county footprint, which includes Bollinger, Perry, Cape Girardeau, and northern Scott counties.
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 coordinated services and shared 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.
People who have experienced property damage are first encouraged to contact their insurance company if they are insured. Shelton explained that in addition to assistance with structural damage, the homeowner's policy may cover other services, like tree removal.
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 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 will also be kept informed of additional resources and local agencies providing support.
Shelton said, “These tornadoes blew through every community we serve, and we have received calls from people who want to help. So we are doing what United Way does best—connecting people in need with the resources to help them. When people give to United Way of Southeast Missouri, they can trust that their donation is not going to salaries. It’s going to the people who need our help.” Shelton encourages the public to follow UWSEMO on Facebook and Instagram for updates regarding a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) and other supports in development.
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 check 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.
