You can help find people who need help recovering from derecho

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids is seeking volunteers to help identify obstacles residents face in recovering from last summer’s derecho and connecting them with people who can help.

Volunteers will go door-to-door to check-in with residents in neighborhoods that sustained heavy damage in the Aug. 10 storm’s hurricane-force winds. Volunteer teams would include volunteers, city staff and nonprofit representatives.

This outreach will continue through approximately mid-June.

Pairs of volunteers will be provided with a list of neighborhoods and addresses as well as an intake form to identify residents’ remaining needs, which could include private tree debris removal, home repairs, financial support, professional tree service or other things.

There will be an orientation for volunteers.

This outreach is intended to help connect residents with available resources, support United Way in targeting additional volunteer efforts and help the city “put in place appropriate funding for assistance in removing tree debris from private property,” according to a news release.

Groups or individuals interested in volunteering may contact Community Service Coordinator Stephanie Schrader at (319) 286-5855 or email her at s.schrader@cedar-rapids.org.

Resources available

In addition, residents who need assistance with housing or tree debris removal may contact Waypoint at (319) 366-7999. The organization will refer people to the correct agency or resource, depending on the need.

The PATCH Program, which assists homeowners with repairs or a gap loan for repairs, is available. Call Waypoint to apply for the PATCH program or go to ecicog.org/patch.html

Cedar Rapids and Linn County also are working with local nonprofits to coordinate assistance.

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