From Linn County Emergency Management
LINN COUNTY, IA – August 14, 2020 – Linn County Emergency Management continues to respond and align resources in response to the August 10 derecho storm. Current priorities include food assistance, shelters, and volunteer opportunities. Other priorities include medical assistance, debris removal, and power access via charging stations.
Food Assistance
Pods are being set up at three locations in Linn County to offer food and water assistance to those in need. Families will be able to get a case of water, a bag of ice, and meals ready to eat for each family member. The drive-thru assistance locations will be at:
- Kingston Stadium, 907 15th Street SW, Cedar Rapids
- Mark’s Lutheran Church, 8300 C Ave, Marion
- Marion Walmart, 5491 US-151, Marion
Locations will be open daily starting Saturday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shelter
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Palo Community Center at 2800 Hollenbeck Road. Individuals and families who have been impacted by the storm and power outages are welcome to the shelter where Red Cross volunteers are on hand to assist.
Protocols are in place to ensure social distancing and additional steps are taken to maintain a safe environment in the shelter due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anyone in need of assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS and select option “4”, then option “2”, then option “2” again, and provide information on their location so appropriate services can be arranged.
National Guard
At the request of Linn EMA, the Iowa National Guard has sent soldiers to Linn County to assist with storm debris cleanup. The soldiers started work today in Cedar Rapids and Marion. Additional soldiers and more resources may be requested and deployed as additional needs are identified.
Volunteer Opportunities
The United Way of East Central Iowa, along with Linn Area Partners in Disaster, have a volunteer reception center activated in the Linn County Emergency Management Agency. Individuals are encouraged to sign up to help one of three ways:
- Sign up online at org/volunteernow
- Call 224-406-1366
- Visit Linn County Emergency Management, located at 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to get registered
Information regarding medical assistance, debris removal, and charging stations can be found in our previous press release at LinnCounty-EMA.org.
If you are in need of additional assistance, United Way 211 is working and can connect you to resources. To reach 211, dial 211 on any phone, text your zip code to 899211, or visit 211iowa.org.
