As the weather changes and work continues to rebuild across our region from the Memorial Day tornadoes, officials involved in long-term recovery efforts say certain needs are emerging. Here’s how you can help, and where tornado survivors can get help.
Household goods needed
St. Vincent de Paul officials say they see a need for household goods, such as furniture -- beds, kitchen tables and chairs, living room furniture -- as well as lamps and cookware.
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Donations of household goods can be made to St. Vincent de Paul at its Community Store, 945 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., or its Donation Center, 120 W. Apple St.
Building materials needed
Donations of building supplies are needed, according to officials with the Miami Valley Long-term Recovery Operations Group. Businesses or individuals willing to donate building materials should contact Laura Mercer at laura.mercer@sinclair.edu or 937-512-4571. Items needed include:
• Roofing
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Dimensional lumber and sheets of plywood
• Siding – vinyl, Hardie board and aluminum
• Interior and exterior door units
• Standard size windows and garage doors
• Kitchen and bath cabinetry, counter tops and fixtures
• Flooring materials – carpet, tile and vinyl
• Gutter systems
• HVAC systems (including window air conditioners)
• Water heaters
• Lighting fixtures
• Large appliances
Volunteer opportunities
The Miami Valley Long-term Recovery Operations Group's website, MVStrong.org, provides multiple ways for individuals and groups to identify volunteer opportunities to support tornado survivors.
How to get help
The United Way’s 211 HelpLink number connects survivors to special operators who can complete an assessment and offer one-on-one case management assistance. The operators are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
RELATED: Tornado recovery resource guide
The service is available for all Miami Valley households impacted by the tornadoes. If 211 service is not available in your area, survivors may call 937-225-3000.
TORNADO SURVIVORS: Tell us what you need on the path to recovery
Homeowners with who were uninsured or under-insured and have tornado damage should call 211 if they need repair/rebuild assistance.
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