United Way of the Midlands (UWM) created the Nebraska and 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.

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 situation. While emergency assistance helped many families with insurance deductibles and repairs not covered by insurance, others used the funds to purchase daily necessities. “I would like to purchase some essentials for day-to-day life,” one person told us. “I lost all my clothes, all food, all toiletries, everything. I walked out with just the clothes on my back.”

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.

Also, in addition to $300,000 awarded to organizations in May, UWM is 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.
• Firefly (formerly FAMILY, Inc.) * – For deployment of the Mobile Wellness Unit and ongoing coordination made possible by dedicated staff working overtime.
• Furniture Project* – For collection, sorting and distribution of furniture, home goods and housewares.
• Heartland Hope Mission – For additional long-term and dedicated case management supports.
• Iowa Legal Aid – For additional direct legal assistance, outreach and education events.
• Legal Aid of Nebraska – For additional direct legal assistance, outreach, education, information, referrals.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Southwest Iowa* – For free clinical support groups and access to free therapy over the next six months.
• New Visions – For emerging needs including assistance for renters without insurance, transportation and other unexpected needs over the course of long-term recovery.
• Omaha Rapid Response* – For long-term recovery tools, equipment and essential supplies needed to rebuild homes in critical neighborhoods.
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul – For additional outreach and support to individuals affected by the storms who may be reluctant to seek assistance.
• 211 Call Center* – For support of overtime, staffing and emergency response efforts.

*Did not previously receive an investment in Phase 1

Additionally, 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.

Also on July 30, UWM will be partnering with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and 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.

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.

For more than 100 years, UWM has stood by our community, ready to lend a helping hand in times of need. We understand that challenges will continue to arise, but we are confident that we can face them with unwavering unity and strength. UWM also continues to work with our emergency management partners, first responders and community recovery coalition to ensure our collective readiness and coordinated responses. Our preparedness, shaped by recent experiences, ensures we are always ready to respond swiftly and effectively to meet our community’s immediate, most-pressing needs.

For additional information, go to: UnitedWayMidlands.org/TornadoReliefInvestments

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About United Way of the Midlands:

Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org