Marshalltown tornado damage is still a challenge for the residents of Marshalltown, who are still trying to put their lives back together. That's why Iowans are doing what they do best, banding together to help the community prepare for winter.
Habitat for Humanity and Volunteer Iowa are leading the efforts and are allocating $400,000 in state and federal funding to equip their mobile response unit, aiding in repairing Marshalltown tornado damage. The mobile unit is comprised of Iowa volunteers who are making critical repairs to tornado-damaged homes in Marshalltown to ready them for winter. Even with this allocation, however, more help is needed.
Marshalltown Tornado Damage Numbers
Hard working Iowans are answering the call with their hard work but also with additional financial support for the mobile response unit. Supplies will be critical as the volunteers continue to asses the homes in need and repair the damage. Nearly 900 homes, not including businesses were affected by the damage, and 60 of those were uninhabitable, and 300 sustained major damage so the need is great.
Iowans Being Iowan
This mobile response unit is a partnership between Volunteer Iowa and Habitat for Humanity of Iowa and is supported by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Iowa Governor’s office.
There is also a need for additional AmeriCorps positions to be filled. These people will coordinate and lead volunteers as they work to make homes livable through the winter and support long-term recovery. AmeriCorps is working to fill these positions on the team, and will look to request volunteer assistance once all team members are hired.
Ultimately, the mobile response team will serve as a resource for other communities, as well. Repairing Marshalltown tornado damage is only the beginning. The local Habitat for Humanity affiliate will continue to help Iowans as new needs arise. The mobile response unit will help by responding to future natural disasters.
If you can help, reach out to Habitat for Humanity or Volunteer Iowa right now. If there's one thing Iowans are great at, it's helping other Iowans.