Are you still feeling the effects of last Wednesday’s storm and damaging tornado? Or do you know someone that is? While we are roughly a week removed from the severe storms, assistance is still available to help you navigate the next weeks and months.
Several organizations are already on the ground in our community providing support. Samaritan’s Purse is set up at First Church of God at 1225 Montgomery Avenue in Charleston and can be reached at 833-747-1234. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is available at 217-345-5081, and Immanuel Lutheran Disaster Relief can be contacted at 217-345-3008.
The Salvation Army continues to help through Envoy Cari Shepherd and she can be reached at 217-234-3915 or by email at cari.shepherd@usc.salvationarmy.org. The Red Cross is on the ground as well through George McCrory at 319-541-5472. And if you need help this weekend specifically, Local Union 159 is available Saturday, June 27th only to aid in cleanup and more but you do need to call 217-251-4750.
For personalized guidance on disaster relief and what you may qualify for, the U.S. Chamber Foundation Disaster Help Desk could prove to be a valuable resource, you can call them at 1-888-692-4943.
If your home or business sustained damage, the most important thing you can do right now before touching anything is to document everything. Take photos and video of all property damage, inventory loss, and equipment issues before any cleanup begins. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, keep every receipt for temporary repairs or expenses, and track all costs related to your recovery because that paper trail will matter when it comes time to file claims or apply for assistance.
Financial help may also be on the way. The Small Business Administration typically offers low-interest disaster loans following events like this, covering both physical damage and economic injury. Details specific to Charleston and Coles County are expected to be released soon. There may also be regional corporate grant opportunities emerging in the coming days and weeks, so it’s worth keeping an eye out. For the link or QR code to expedite your claim and to see if you don’t qualify for some sort of state or federal funding,
If you need help figuring out where to start, the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce says they are also available. For their help, give them a call at 217-345-7041 or email Colleen Peterlich at president@charlestonchamber.com.
The Chamber is also asking businesses to check in with them and to share their current operational status, whether closed, operating remotely, or open with limited hours, and to report their most pressing needs so the Chamber can advocate for local relief. If you own a small business, here’s the link to expedite your claim and to see if you might qualify for some sort of state or federal funding: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/fb4e9c048835436bb00bcd83429b9b12. Additionally, you can scan the QR code with this story.
ADDED AFTER ORIGINAL POST: Additionally, the Coles County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, in partnership with the Coles County EMA, the City of Charleston, and Eastern Illinois University, will host a Multi-Agency Resource Center, or ‘MARC,’ for tornado victims next Monday and Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. at the Lantz Athletic Building on EIU’s campus. The MARC is a one-stop location where individuals and families affected by the tornado can learn about available services, ask questions, receive referrals, and connect with recovery resources. Community organizations are encouraged to participate by providing disaster recovery information, housing assistance, counseling, financial aid, or other support services. Volunteers, translators, children’s activity helpers, donations, and mobility equipment are also needed. Organizations wishing to participate should register by noon Saturday (6/27), and provide their contact information, available services, and availability.
