HOW TO GET HELP: Emergency shelter locations, food and water for those affected by storms

Shelters across the region remain open for victims of the Memorial Day tornadoes while some have reached capacity.

HAVE A TIP TO ASSIST WITH RECOVERY?

RELATED: Tornadoes reported in Darke, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery counties

“We will keep shelters open for as long as the need is there or until people find other sustainable housing options,” American Red Cross spokeswoman Marita Salkowski said.

WHERE TO GET HELP: 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER

Montgomery County, in partnership with ADAMHS, opened a Family Assistance Center (FAC) on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. It is located at 1500 Shiloh Springs Rd in Dayton (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) with the following hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Family Assistance Center will initially operate for four weeks. The center will offer access to one-on-one intervention services to assist with trauma and mental health needs for those individuals affected by the tornadoes. Trained specialists will help to identify needs and make referrals to appropriate services.

Additionally, the Center will serve as a “one-stop” location where individuals can obtain provisional IDs, apply for Job & Family Services benefits, obtain replacement cards for Medicaid/Medicare and receive information regarding senior services, housing and transportation services.

Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County will provide free birth certificates, baby cribs and Hepatitis A vaccines. Additional services will be added as needed.

Between June 6-11, a free RTA shuttle will run every half hour from 1-8 p.m. between the Family Assistance Center and the Salvation Army’s Dayton Kroc Center, where people can apply for services, if eligible, from St. Vincent DePaul, Good Neighbor House, and obtain Salvation Army emergency vouchers for clothing and other household goods.

The resource center at the Dayton Kroc Center is located at 1000 N. Keowee St. in Dayton. The hours of operation will be: Thursday, June 6 through Saturday June 8 from 1-8 p.m. Closed on Sunday, June 9 Monday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 11 from 1-8 p.m. Call the Kroc Center for more details at (937) 528-5100.

VOLUNTEER RECEPTION CENTER

A Montgomery  County Volunteer Reception Center is now open at Sinclair Community College Building 20. Volunteers register, and will be matched to organizations with specific volunteer needs.
Location: Sinclair Community College, Bldg 20, 220 South Edwin C Moses, Dayton (enter off 5th St) 
Hours of Operation: 7 days a week, 8 AM- 6 PM
Phone number: 937-512-5700

Please bring a picture ID. All types of assistance are needed. Licensed professionals in skilled trades, medical, veterinary fields as well as individuals and companies that own and operate equipment (everything from chainsaws to heavy equipment) are very much needed and encouraged to volunteer their time.

FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATES, HEP A VACCINATIONS, CRIBS

Montgomery County Public Health will offer free birth certificates, cribs and Hep A vaccinations for those affected by the tornadoes on Tuesday, Jun 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, 5301 Free Pike in Trotwood and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.. at the Harrison Township Community Center, 5945 N. Dixie Dr. in Dayton.

Public Health will have information available about how to get a replacement Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security card.

Birth certificates may be needed to help members of the public identify themselves to be eligible for relief services and to replace other identification documents.

Required Information

  • Must be 18 years of age of older (head of households preferred)
  • Proof of Residence (if applicable)
  • Telephone number
  • Address prior to natural disaster
  • Email address
  • Completion of an application

For more information about birth certificates call: (937) 496-3117

FREE PROPERTY DEEDS

The Montgomery County Recorder’s Office is distributing FREE property deeds to homeowners who have been directly and substantially impacted by the tornadoes that ravaged various parts of Montgomery County (Trotwood, Clayton, Riverside, Harrison Township, Butler Township, Brookville, North Dayton and Vandalia).

As a result of the devastation caused by the Memorial Day tornadoes, many citizens may be faced with the challenge of having to provide proof of ownership to obtain financial resources and assistance to repair or replace their home when the documentation is not readily accessible. A property deed is among the best proof one can present to demonstrate ownership of their home.

Property deeds can be obtained in person from 8:00AM-4:00PM at the Montgomery County Recorder’s Office, which is located on the 5th Floor of the County Administration Building at 451 W. Third Street Dayton, Ohio 45422, by contacting the Copy Center at 937-225-6381 or by visiting www.mcrecorder.org.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services, along with Public Health and the Salvation Army's Dayton Kroc Center are hosting a free community mental health education session today, Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m. at the Dayton Kroc Center, 1000 N. Keowee St. The class is facilitated by the Ohio Crisis Response Team and is designed for anyone impacted by the tornadoes.

Optum Public Crisis Line: Toll free emotional support line at (866) 342-6892 is free of charge and available to anyone. Caring professionals will connect people to resources. It will be open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990
Nationwide hotline for individuals experiencing emotional distress for any disaster. 
Or text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Crisis Cleanup Hotline: 800-451-1954. Relief agencies are staffing a hotline for tarping, tree-cutting, debris removal and home cleanup. Services are free, but not guaranteed due to the expected overwhelming need.

ACROSS THE MIAMI VALLEY

The YMCA of Greater Dayton will open up all 10 of their Greater Dayton facilities to anyone in need of showers or charging cellphones. This will be in effect until 10 p.m. Friday.

GREENE COUNTY

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT

The Mental Health & Recovery Board, Greene County Public Health and EMA, the Ohio Crisis Response Team, United Way, and The American Red Cross are providing information, self-help resources, and emotional support companionship today, Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beavercreek Community Library, 3618 Dayton Xenia Road. An educational information session will be also be offered. 

• Property Tax Relief: In Greene County, property owners who have sustained recent tornado damaged may be eligible for relief for the 2019 tax year. To fill out a form, click here or visit the Greene County Auditor's Office.

Operation Blessing International has set up a base of operations on the grounds of Dayton Vineyard Church, 4051 Indian Ripple Rd. in Beavercreek,  and is asking residents/homeowners whose homes were damaged to come and fill out a work order request for free volunteer help.

Residents are invited come in person to fill out a work request for FREE volunteer help at Dayton Vineyard Church (4051 Indian Ripple Rd, Beavercreek, OH) daily from 9:30am–4:30pm. All residents must fill out a work order form and sign a release form in person, allowing volunteer teams access to your property. Volunteers will not be able to do work without a form SIGNED BY THE HOMEOWNER. Priority is given based on need (elderly, sick, disabled, etc) and is based on volunteer availability. Volunteer services offered include debris removal and help finding and sorting salvageable belongings. For more information on how to apply for help: 800-730-2537.

  • American Red Cross is operating a shelter at First Baptist Church of Kettering, 3939 Swigert Road, Beavercreek, for 16 people and also is providing food and supplies.
  • Fresh Thyme in Beavercreek, 2850 E. Centre Drive,  is giving away cases of bottled water —two per family— today while supplies last. The water will be distributed in the parking lot. (Updated May, 29)

MERCER COUNTY

  • Coldwater Eagles Lodge, 101 W. Walnut St., Coldwater

MIAMI COUNTY

  • The American Red Cross, Miami County Emergency Agency, Miami County Public Health, Miami County Job and Family Services and Miami County Auditor will have representatives and information available at the Resource Assistance Center June 3-5 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The center is located in the West Milton Municipal Building, 701 S. Miami St., West Milton.
  • Laura Fire Station, 10 N. Main St. in Laura
  • Hoffman Methodist, 201 S. Main St. in West Milton
  • Ginghamsburg Church's The Avenue, 6759 S. County Road 25A  in Tipp City, is open for those seeking shelter and bottled water is available.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

• In Montgomery County: If you would like to report uninsured damage to your home or business, call (937) 225-6217. Please provide your name, address, and whether you have home/business insurance or uninsured losses, we will provide that information to FEMA and our assessment teams. NOTE: You will not be contacted directly by FEMA or the Montgomery County Emergency Operations team after reporting your damage. 

  • Property Tax Relief: In Montgomery County, properties damaged or destroyed in the Memorial Day tornadoes may be eligible for a deduction in taxable property value. Call the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office at 937-225-4326 or visit www.mcauditor.org to complete and submit a form.
  • • Operation Blessing International has set up a base of operations on the grounds of Dayton Vineyard Church, 4051 Indian Ripple Rd. in Beavercreek,  and is asking residents/homeowners whose homes were damaged to come and fill out a work order request for free volunteer help.

    Residents are invited come in person to fill out a work request for FREE volunteer help at Dayton Vineyard Church (4051 Indian Ripple Rd, Beavercreek, OH) daily from 9:30am–4:30pm. All residents must fill out a work order form and sign a release form in person, allowing volunteer teams access to your property. Volunteers will not be able to do work without a form SIGNED BY THE HOMEOWNER. Priority is given based on need (elderly, sick, disabled, etc) and is based on volunteer availability. Volunteer services offered include debris removal and help finding and sorting salvageable belongings. For more information on how to apply for help: 800-730-2537.

    • Matthew 25 Ministries has organized Disaster Relief Product Distribution at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Rd. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 9. Disaster relief products include personal care kits, household and cleaning products, first-aid and safety kits and supplies, diapers, toilet paper, detergent pods, tarps and ice.
    • Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, 1501 W. Third St., has personal items, diapers and care items available 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
    • In Trotwood, the Chenaulte Dance Studio, 2536 Shiloh Springs Rd. is open Monday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m.  and Saturday and Sunday from noon until  6 p.m.to assist with relief. They have a charging station, bathrooms, meals to go, fresh fruit, water, toiletry kits for men and women, diapers and wipes and baby blankets.
    • The American Red Cross is operating shelters at Morton Middle School, 8555 Peters Pike, Vandalia for 68 people; The Ridge Church, 7555 Brookville-Phillipsburg Road, for 16 people; and Corinthian Baptist Church, 700 N. James H. McGee, for 52 people. The sites also are providing food, water and supplies to those in need.
    • The Trotwood Fire & Rescue Department has bottled water and ice at Station 72, 5469 Little Richmond Road. It will be available 24-hours a day until further notice.
    • City of Dayton is offering free bottled water at the following locations: Greater Dayton Rec Center, 2021 W. Third St. until 9 p.m.; Northwest Rec Center, 1600 Princeton Drive until 9 p.m.; KROC Center, 1000 N. Keowee St. until 9 p.m.; Dayton Fire Station 8, 2636 Stanley Ave. until 8 p.m.; Dayton Fire Station 15, 2801 Wayne Ave. until 8 p.m.
    • The Wesley Community Center, 3730 Delphos Ave., Dayton is extending its pantry hours to Monday - Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    • Food and personal supplies will be available at Northridge Church of Christ, 2211 Needmore Road, Harrison Twp. staring May 30. Personal care kits, baby care kits, boxes of food, cleaning supplies, diapers, shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows. Pick up items between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
    • Ginghamsburg Church's Fort McKinley Campus, 3721 W. Siebenthaler Ave. in Trotwood is open for those seeking shelter and bottled water is available.
    • The 1st District AMVETS are giving out toiletries, food, water and clothing beginning June 2 at 9 a.m. at the AMVETS Post 24 at 1016 Leo Street in Dayton. President Patty Gordon-Orrender said that the organization is also accepting donations of "anything someone can use."
    • The North American Lutheran Church Disaster Relief group is on the corner of E Helena and Stanley Avenue in Dayton distributing food, clothing, cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, quilts, blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, and other goods. They will be there from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day until June 8.
    • Eldar Adam Moradov said that the Osman Gazi Mosque is distributing food, water and hygiene and household items available to give. He said that they will have their stand open every day from 9 a.m. to sundown.
    • Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief organization, is set up outside the Gateway Cathedral, 5501 Olive Road Trotwood, starting at 9 a.m., and offering chainsaw work on trees, help removing belongings and furniture, clearing homes and sanitizing and temporary roof repair for free to homeowners with little or no insurance.

    OTHER INFORMATION

    If a natural disaster destroyed your housing and you need assistance with moving expenses, rental deposit, rent and utility payments, contact these numbers for assistance & resources:

    Miami Valley Community Action Partnership:(937) 963-9433St. Vincent de Paul Conferences: (937) 222-5555Other: VRBO may also offer reduced rates for shelter in time of disaster: www.vrbo.com

    If the tornadoes destroyed your rental housing to the point that it is deemed uninhabitable:

    • You should contact your landlord or property management company to ask if there are comparable units available that you can move into. Units should be comparable in pricing, bedroom size, amenities, and location.
    • You can immediately vacate the premises and notify the landlord in writing your intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating.
    • You are entitled to a refund of your security deposit if you have been forced out of your housing unit long term due to a natural disaster situation that's out of your control. 

    Legal Assistance and Fair Housing Resource

    Homeowner Assistance – Home Repair Programs

    • CountyCorp: (937) 225-6328
    • Rebuilding Together Dayton: (937) 223-4893
    • People Working Cooperatively: (513) 351-7921

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