Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund Investments

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THANKS TO GENEROUS DONORS LIKE YOU, UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS RAISED MORE THAN

$1.4 Million

TO SUPPORT THOSE IMPACTED BY THE APRIL 26 TORNADOES.

United Way of the Midlands (UWM) created the Nebraska and Iowa Tornado Relief Fund in response to April tornadoes that displaced thousands of people. The fund has now raised a total of more than $1.X million thanks to the generosity and compassion of corporate and individual donors. Recognizing the severity of the storm and scope of the damage, individuals from X countries and X states gave to UWM with 100% of every donation directed to individuals in need.

United Way of the Midlands (UWM) created the Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund (NITRF) in response to the April tornadoes that displaced thousands of people in Nebraska and Iowa. The fund has raised $1,415,000 thanks to the generosity and compassion of corporate and individual donors. Recognizing the severity of the storm and scope of the damage, individuals from 45 states and three countries gave to UWM – with 100% of every donation being directed to those in need of assistance.

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In response to the recent tornadoes that displaced thousands of people in Nebraska and Iowa, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) created the Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund (NITRF). Fueled by the compassion and generous support of donors, to date, the fund has raised more than $1.1 million – with 100% of every donation being directed to those in need of assistance.

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Your partner for local impact

As a trusted leader in community-driven initiatives, UWM is uniquely positioned to assist with relief coordination efforts – ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively where they are needed most. The contributions raised following the devastating storms are being distributed to both local agencies and individuals in need in order to address the diverse impacts of the tornadoes.

This strategy addresses the severe and extreme devastation experienced by families and neighborhoods. It offers flexible and reliable assistance to households facing a very difficult situation, and supports both immediate and ongoing tornado response efforts. As needs evolve, UWM remains committed to coordinating and adapting future phases of investment to effectively address emerging challenges.

IN THe INITIAL PHASE OF INVESTMENTS, THE NEBRASKA AND IOWA TORNADO RELIEF FUND provided SUPPORT TO:

A total of $300,000 has been awarded to the following organizations who are working directly with impacted families and aiding in recovery efforts of communities across our region.

For transportation, childcare and food assistance in the Elkhorn area.

CITY OF MINDEN, IA

For city disaster and recovery planning, in collaboration with the Iowa West Foundation and other organizations.

For case management, transportation and essential rehousing expenses.

For direct legal assistance, outreach and education events, as well as collaboration with other agencies providing non-legal recovery services.

For direct legal assistance, outreach, education, information and referrals – including a disaster relief hotline for those impacted who need civil legal assistance.

To replenish emergency diapers distributed through partners in Douglas and Pottawattamie counties and to stock more diapers – ensuring availability for future needs.

For transitional shelter supports, case management, behavioral and/or physical health, food and/or clothing, transportation, debris clean up, household item replacement, moving expenses.

For outreach and support to individuals affected by the storms who may be reluctant to seek assistance.

For essentials including shelter, food and/or clothing, behavioral and physical health and case management.

For food purchase, storage, packaging and delivery.

IN THe second PHASE OF INVESTMENTS, THE NEBRASKA AND IOWA TORNADO RELIEF FUND will provide SUPPORT TO:

In addition to $300,000 awarded to organizations in May, UWM is also proud to invest an additional $685,000 into the following organizations to strengthen their ability to respond to long-term recovery needs:

CITY OF MINDEN, IA

For long-term city disaster recovery, in collaboration with the Iowa West Foundation.

(formerly FAMILY, Inc.)

For deployment of the Mobile Wellness Unit and ongoing coordination made possible by dedicated staff working overtime.*

For collection, sorting and distribution of furniture, home goods and housewares.*

For additional long-term and dedicated case management supports.

For additional direct legal assistance, outreach and education events.

For additional direct legal assistance, outreach, education, information, referrals.

For free clinical support groups and access to free therapy over the next six months.*

For emerging needs including assistance for renters without insurance, transportation, and other unexpected needs over the course of long-term recovery.

For long-term recovery tools, equipment and essential supplies needed to rebuild homes in critical neighborhoods.*

For additional outreach and support to individuals affected by the storms who may be reluctant to seek assistance.

For support of overtime, staffing and emergency response efforts.*

*Did not previously receive an investment in Phase 1

Individual emergency assistance

In addition to information, referrals and other coordinating supports, UWM has distributed $295,000 in emergency financial assistance through the 211 Helpline and online request form. As part of that process, our team validated claims and required reasonable documentation to ensure that dollars were distributed to families impacted by the disaster. Households used funds for losses incurred as a result of the tornadoes, and to fill gaps and support the unique needs of their households.

While UWM is no longer accepting requests for direct emergency financial assistance, we are pleased to continue collaborations with partners across the community who are working directly with impacted families on their long-term recovery needs.

Additionally, UWM will be providing $1,000 per household in emergency financial assistance to address losses incurred as a result of the tornadoes. Priority will be given to those experiencing severe damage or complete destruction of their primary residence in: Douglas (NE), Lancaster (NE), Washington (NE), Crawford (IA), Harrison (IA), Mills (IA), Pottawattamie (IA) and Shelby (IA) counties.

This emergency financial assistance is intended to fill gaps and support the unique, individualized needs of families working to regain normalcy. It can be used for expenses such as co-pays or deductibles, security deposits or other essential costs not immediately covered by insurance or FEMA. Emergency financial assistance will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to affected households – and monetary awards will be distributed until all funds are disbursed.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE APPLICATION

Impacted households can complete a short form at UnitedWayMidlands.org/EmergencyFund to request assistance for essential needs not covered by existing resources. Only one submission may be approved per household, and completion of the application form is not a guarantee of payment. The application asks individuals to specify the intended use of the funds, and to upload relevant materials such as: home/auto insurance policies and claims; a FEMA application ID, application or approval letter; a disaster report or other official documentation.

Individuals with limited computer access may also call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898211 for assistance in completing the application form. Community Referral Specialists will be available to assist callers 24/7. All calls are free and confidential, but standard message and data rates may apply when texting. Assistance is available in more than 200 languages using the tele-interpreter service and bilingual staff.

In addition, UWM will work with local agencies to support needs and provide assistance as part of individual or family case management plans. By collecting this information and performing additional follow-up, our team is able to better understand needs and ensure dollars are directed to impacted households.

Households used funds for losses incurred as a result of the tornadoes and to fill gaps and support the unique needs of their situation. While emergency assistance helped many families with insurance deductibles and repairs not covered by insurance, others used the funds to purchase daily necessities.

The funding is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community, coming together to support neighbors in need. While UWM is no longer accepting requests for direct emergency financial assistance, we are pleased to continue collaborations with partners across the community who are working directly with impacted families on their long-term recovery needs.

special evening at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Also, on July 30, UWM will be partnering with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium for a special evening at the Zoo. The private, invitation-only event – for people directly impacted by the tornadoes and first responders who quickly sprang into action during and after the storms – was created for people to come together, enjoy the Zoo and create new memories. Also, those who suffered damage and loss from the devastating storms will be invited to shop from a selection of free clothes, snacks, toys and more – all generously provided by many community partners.

united with compassion for a common purpose

With the support of UWM’s Board of Directors, our partners at Tenaska, Children’s Nebraska, Scoular and Lindsay designated $135,000 of their contributions to establish a Natural Disaster Relief Fund so resources will be available immediately when the next natural disaster occurs in our region.

UWM’s tornado response efforts exemplify the best of what happens when people unite with compassion for a common purpose. Our dual strategy of providing individual emergency financial assistance and investing in impactful programs helps support immediate recovery and the capacity of organizations to help resilient families. By combining immediate support with long-term investments, we create a robust foundation for individuals and families to rebuild and thrive. An impact report detailing the full scope of our tornado relief efforts and the positive changes made in the community will be available this fall. We remain committed to transparent stewardship, and look forward to sharing these stories of resilience and recovery.