PATCH program: Cedar Rapids area nonprofits collaborating to rebuild after derecho

Aug. 10 is a date that will not be forgotten by Eastern Iowans. The impact of the derecho was felt across the state but the brunt of its force landed right here in our communities. Like many, our first steps after the storm passed were to check in on family, friends and neighbors and assess the damage.

As the scope of the disaster became clear, many in the community recognized the need for a coordinated response from public and private organizations. To ensure needs were identified and addressed efficiently, public and private funders came together to share information, resources and ideas. This included United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI), the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, the Hall-Perrine Foundation, the McIntyre Foundation, the Alliant Energy Foundation, ITC Midwest and representatives from the City of Cedar Rapids, City of Marion and Linn County.

Whether it was home damage, loss of power, or yard clean up, almost everyone was affected by the storm. Working together, several local nonprofit organizations determined that housing was the most significant need in the community. The result of this collaborative approach is a program now known as the Providing Assistance to Community Homeowners, or PATCH.

Initially, $600,000 was granted from philanthropic investments into PATCH. However, we knew it would need more. This past spring, UWECI and the Community Foundation granted an additional combined $1.45 million from our disaster recovery funds to the program. Since its creation, the PATCH program has assisted in over 200 projects.

PATCH is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish by working together, but it is just one example of many. Disaster recovery funds at UWECI and the Community Foundation have made grants supporting everything from food, water and shelter to mental health care and transportation. These grants and the projects they support are the direct result of our community’s commitment to one another.

Even with these accomplishments, we recognize the work is far from complete. There are still families who are unable to move back into their homes and families who continue to live in homes needing significant repairs. Volunteer teams are still doing weekly tree cleanup efforts.

If you are still in need of services, please reach out to Waypoint by calling 319.366.7999.

If you are interested in making a donation to ongoing recovery efforts, visit uweci.org or gcrcf.org.

Aug. 10 will be a day we remember because of the derecho, but we also will remember it as a catalyst for strengthening our communal mindset. A time of great sorrow also brought out great strength and generosity.

Kristin Roberts is president and CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa. Les Garner is president and CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.