Resources still available for Cedar Rapids residents affected by derecho

CEDAR RAPIDS — Resources remain available through the city of Cedar Rapids and local nonprofits for residents affected by the Aug. 10 derecho.

Residents may seek resources for housing repairs, funding gaps, tree debris removal and other needs. The city has been working since December to survey remaining needs in the community and connect residents with available resources.

“While much has been accomplished, the city recognizes that recovery is still ongoing and there is more to do in our community,” according to a news release.

Residents should contact Waypoint at (319) 366-7999 for any remaining housing or tree debris needs. Waypoint will help refer residents to the correct agency or resource. Since the storm struck, the release said Waypoint has taken about 9,500 calls for service, which includes any household need, whether related to COVID-19, the derecho or another challenge.

Housing rehabilitation

The donation-based PATCH Program was established after the derecho to assist homeowners with repairs or gap loans for repairs. The city and Linn County are working with local nonprofits to coordinate the effort. Visit ecicog.org/patch.html or call Waypoint at (319) 366-7999 to learn more and apply for the PATCH program.

Applicants must be the homeowner listed at the Cedar Rapids or Linn County assessor’s office. No credit check is needed to qualify. They also must meet household income requirements. Criteria are available at ecicog.org/patch.html.

The home must be owner-occupied, taxed as real estate, located in Linn County and be the applicant’s primary residence as of Aug. 10, 2020. It also must be insured or capable of being insured after work is completed.

Types of assistance include:

Repayment occurs when the homeowner receives Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration, insurance or other funding. A portion may be forgiven if the amount received from those sources does not cover costs

So far, the program has allocated about $446,000 to 252 households. The program has recently received additional funding — $500,000 from United Way of East Central Iowa and $50,000 from Catholic Charities.

The release said the city also will address the need for removal of damaged trees and debris on private property for residents without the financial means.

Cedar Rapids has also applied for funding through the Lowe’s 100 Hometowns Grant, a competitive opportunity to complete 100 impact projects across the country in 2021 as part of a $10 million commitment to serve communities.

If awarded, the funding for Cedar Rapids will “support restoration of derecho-damaged housing in vulnerable neighborhoods, as determined by the PATCH program criteria,” according to City Council documents.

Emily Breen, the city’s public services communications specialist, said Cedar Rapids has not yet heard back regarding the grant. She said the city anticipates a response before the end of June.

Community outreach

The city’s Building Services Department received about 700 responses to a survey of properties that were either destroyed or sustained major structural damage from the derecho’s hurricane-force winds.

This voluntary survey included follow-up phone calls and on-site visits from the city’s consultant, ProSource. It was aimed at helping city officials understand what challenges residents faced to complete major repairs and to connect residents with any available housing resources.

Breen said the city’s contract with ProSource for about $346,000 included:

This expense is not FEMA-reimbursable.

Of those 700 respondents, about 12 percent requested additional information on community resources. According to the news release, city staff matched those residents with appropriate programs and services.

To further identify obstacles residents face to recover from the derecho, the city says it is leading an effort to send volunteer teams door-to-door to check on residents. Volunteer teams include Green Iowa AmeriCorps, city staff and others.

The teams will visit predominantly low- to moderate-income neighborhoods and mobile home parks that sustained significant damage. So far, about 240 households have been contacted and outreach continues.

Through this effort, residents with housing rehabilitation needs may be directed to Waypoint or referred to the PATCH Program. As the single point of contact for assistance, Waypoint ensures referral to the PATCH Program or to resources to meet other needs, such as food or mental health services. This outreach also helps officials identify remaining tree debris cleanup needs on private property so that United Way can target volunteer efforts and “allow the city to put in place appropriate funding,” according to the news release.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com