Remember, restore our neighbors

By Karla Goettel

Flood Them with Love has served more than 300 families and the number continues to grow. We have continued our mission of “Volunteers helping flood survivors with immediate needs” - 100 percent of donations continue to go directly to flood-impacted families and individuals.

This has been possible through the generous donations from the community, our partnership with Horizons (A Family Service Alliance) and the tremendous dedication of our growing staff who donate all administrative costs.

Two years after the flood, why do we need to continue our mission? We find many families in desperate situations.

I spoke with Kendy Merrill at the Abbe Center about the status of flood survivors. (Portions of our interview on YouTube - search: “Flood Them with Love introduction.”) Merrill said that after a major disaster, there is much grief and loss. This is followed by a “honeymoon period” when volunteers, helping agencies and the media focus on survivors.

Then comes an even steeper drop in morale called “disillusionment.” Many of flood survivors in the Cedar Rapids area are stuck in this phase. Although we must recognize and celebrate the important positive advances our community has made since the flood, we must also remember these neighbors and the work that remains to be done.

Homeowners awaiting their buyouts are discouraged. Some have gone bankrupt as they tried in vain to pay a mortgage on a ruined property while also paying to live elsewhere. Many families have extenuating circumstances such as serious illness or job loss. They feel hopeless and forgotten.

Flood Them with Love can refurnish a new home through our warehouse. We can help with emergency financial assistance and advocate on behalf of flood survivors, but we need your help to restore hope.

We all must step forward and help. Even if you have donated in the past, please give again. We are fortunate to have many wonderful helping agencies in Cedar Rapids. To learn more on how to help through our organization, call (319) 366-1410 or visit www.floodthem

withlove.org

Finally, please join us for a free concert from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Guaranty Bank parking lot downtown. Some of the area's top musicians are donating time and talent to this fundraiser. We will release a CD called, “We're Comin' Back,” and it will be for sale for $15.

Help us remember our neighbors and restore them.

Karla Goettel, founder of Flood Them With Love, is a wife, mother, singer, teacher and advocate from Cedar Rapids. Comments: goettel@mchsi.com