RECOVERY UNITED IN
UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS’ DISASTER RESPONSE
APRIL TO AUGUST 2024
RECOVERY UNITED IN UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS’ DISASTER RESPONSE
In times of crisis, communities reveal their strength.
This summer, as devastating storms and tornadoes tore through Nebraska and Iowa, families were displaced, homes were destroyed and lives were upended. Yet in the face of this destruction, individuals and businesses across the region stepped up to help.
Through the Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund (NIRTF), more than $1.4 million was raised, with every dollar going directly to those affected by the storms. The generosity of our community allowed us to provide immediate relief, proving that when disaster strikes, our community responds with compassion and commitment to one another.
Community Resilience : the ability to withstand, adapt to and recover from adversity
United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is honored to be trusted to step up and serve when our community needs us most – mobilizing resources so families and neighborhoods can rebuild and recover from devastating damage. Our 211 Helpline proved to be an essential lifeline for those impacted by storms, responding to more than 3,400 storm-related contacts and ensuring our resources were updated nearly 1,500 times to reflect the most current information available. But the relief didn’t stop there. UWM also invested in organizations on the front lines of recovery, ensuring they had the resources needed to support the ongoing resilience of our community. These efforts, combined with the compassionate response of our donors and partners, demonstrate that when disaster strikes, we rise together—stronger and more united than ever before.
VISIT OUR IMPACT DASHBOARD!
To learn more about the needs during the 2024 disasters in our metro, and impact of your contributions, visit our interactive dashboard here.
NEBRASKA AND IOWA TORNADO RELIEF FUND
The April 26 tornadoes that swept across Nebraska and Iowa destroyed homes and neighborhoods across our community – forcing families to rebuild and start over. UWM swiftly created the Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund, raising more than $1.4 million through the incredible generosity of corporate partners 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. These contributions were distributed to both local agencies and individuals in need to address the diverse impacts of the tornadoes.
“As we rebuild our lives day-by-day we are constantly reminded that the Midwest has the greatest communities of any place in the country when it comes to helping out. God bless you all for being another part of that community.”
-211 Caller
TOTAL RAISED: AGENCY INVESTMENTS:
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND: $1,415,000 $965,000 $295,000 $155,000
ORGANIZATIONS COMING TOGETHER
In addition to individual contributions, dozens of organizations across the community hosted events to support neighborhoods in crisis. Click here to see their generosity in action.
“I am so grateful to you. It has been a rough five weeks. My special thanks to whomever made these funds available and to all of the great people that manage these dollars for disbursement.”
-211 Caller
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
“I would like to purchase some essentials for day-to-day life. I lost all clothes, all food, all toiletries, everything. I walked out with just the clothes on my back”
In addition to information, referrals and other coordinating supports, UWM distributed $295,000 in emergency financial assistance through the 211 Helpline and online request form. Qualifying families received $1,000 per household to address 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.
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. Priority was 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.
“The support from our community has been that ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ that keeps reminding us how amazing our state truly is.”
-211 Caller
-211 Caller
AGENCY INVESTMENTS
UWM’s emergency financial assistance for households was complemented by strategic investments in local nonprofit agencies that were on the front lines of recovery. These organizations played a critical role in both the immediate aftermath of the storms and in helping families with their long-term recovery needs. Through $965,000 in investments, UWM supported a wide range of services, including case management, transitional housing and rebuilding efforts, legal assistance, mental health supports and access to essential items such as furniture, materials and household goods. UWM distributed these funds through two waves of grants – to address initial needs and to support long-term recovery. These coordinated efforts ensured that families not only received the immediate financial relief they needed but also had access to long-term resources to rebuild.
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH PROGRAM
For transportation, childcare and food assistance in the Elkhorn area.
FURNITURE PROJECT
For collection, sorting and distribution of furniture, home goods and housewares.
LEGAL AID OF NEBRASKA
For direct legal assistance, outreach, education, information and referrals – including a disaster relief hotline for those impacted who need civil legal assistance.
NEBRASKA DIAPER BANK
To replenish emergency diapers distributed through partners in Douglas and Pottawattamie counties and to stock more diapers – ensuring availability for future needs.
CITY OF MINDEN, IA
CITY OF MINDEN, IA
For long-term city disaster recovery, in collaboration with the Iowa West Foundation.
HEARTLAND HOPE MISSION
For case management, transportation and essential rehousing expenses.
NEW VISIONS
For transitional shelter supports, case management, behavioral and/or physical health, food and/or clothing, transportation, debris clean up, household item replacement, moving expenses and other needs over the course of recovery.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
For essentials including shelter, food and/or clothing, behavioral and physical health and case management.
For deployment of the Mobile Wellness Unit and ongoing coordination made possible by dedicated staff working overtime. FIREFLY (formerly FAMILY, Inc.)*
IOWA LEGAL AID
For direct legal assistance, outreach and education events, as well as collaboration with other agencies providing non-legal recovery services.
OMAHA RAPID RESPONSE
For long-term recovery tools, equipment and essential supplies needed to rebuild homes in critical neighborhoods.
WHISPERING ROOTS
For food purchase, storage, packaging and delivery.
211 HELPLINE RESPONSE
While the April 26 tornadoes devastated families in specific pockets of our metro, the July storm caused more widespread damage across the region. This led to a significant increase in call volume, with a surge of requests for debris removal and assistance as communities worked to recover from the extensive impact. The data below reflects overall 211 caller needs during the storm period.
APRIL 26, 2024
768
251 MAY 21, 2024
2,153 JULY 31, 2024
STORIES OF IMPACT
Receiving United Way funds directly helps Rapid Response with rebuilding the homes and lives of those victims that need the most help. By providing these funds, United Way helps get families back into their homes in months and not years!”
We are providing direct legal assistance with legal issues involving contractor repairs, FEMA assistance, landlord disputes, renters’ insurance, contractor problems, and replacement of lost documents (birth certificates). We have conducted 7 outreach and education events to increase awareness of our services and advised approximately 250 survivors of their legal rights and responsibilities. We also worked with other agencies that provide non-legal recovery services. We have also established a disaster legal services hotline number for tornado survivors to contact. These funds have also made it possible to deploy our
– OMAHA RAPID RESPONSE
mobile intake unit to the area to assist disaster survivors -- including in Minden for the initial Multi-Agency Resource Center established after the tornado, as well as for the Minden Recovery Cookout on August 17.”
-IOWA LEGAL AID
Many families served would not normally seek help with diapers, but with the disaster they found themselves financially strained, facing the costs of replacing housing and all of their possessions. Providing diapers allows families to focus on long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts without the immediate pressure of meeting everyday needs like diapering.”
– NEBRASKA DIAPER BANK
LOOKING AHEAD
As we look to the future, United Way of the Midlands is proud to have updated our strategic plan to include community resilience as one of our impact areas. A resilient community is one that not only recovers from crises but emerges stronger, more connected and better prepared for future challenges. It means ensuring that when disaster strikes, families have access to the resources and support they need to rebuild and thrive. UWM is committed to fostering a robust network of nonprofits, emergency responders and community leaders who can step in and provide immediate assistance as well as long-term recovery solutions. Whether through financial support, essential services, or collaborative efforts, United Way will continue to stand by our community—ready to respond when we are needed most.
Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient future.