Updated Resource Information For Linn County Storm Victims

Linn County continues to recover from the August 10 derecho. Crews and volunteers are hard at work restoring power to the area, cleaning up downed trees and debris, and just getting things back to normal. With the damage being so widespread and 93 percent of Linn County residents without power, people are in need of a place to cool off, do laundry, get a hot meal and more.

Linn County Emergency Management is working with partners to gather resources to help victims of the storm. According to a press release from Linn County, "current priorities include heat relief for residents without air conditioning, food assistance, and volunteer needs." Below is the most updated information on resources for storm victims in the area.

Cooling Centers

It's summer, and with the warm temperatures, people without power will need somewhere to stay cool. Here are some locations for those seeking relief from the heat.

• Cedar Rapids-US Cellular Center (370 1st Avenue NE)
  • Hours: Monday - Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Hiawatha-Hiawatha Community Center (101 Emmons Street)
  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Marion-Lowe Park (4500 N 10th Street – West Entrance)
  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Food Assistance

For those in need of a meal, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and local volunteers and organizations continue to work together to feed those in need in Linn County.

The press release states that "hot meals will be available at the following locations on Tuesday, August 25 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.:"

Cedar Rapids-

• Ladd Library (3750 Williams Blvd SW)
• Metro High School (1212 7th Street SE)
• St. Paul's Methodist Church (1340 3rd Ave SE)
• Northwest Recreation Center (1340 11th St NW - parking lot) – Lunch Only
• Taylor Elementary School (720 7th Ave SW) – Lunch Only

And Nixon Elementary in Hiawatha. Amerigroup will be available at the following locations in Cedar Rapids Tuesday, August 25 and Thursday, August 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Ladd Library, Northwest Recreation Center, Metro High School, St. Paul's Methodist Church, Taylor Elementary School.

Want to volunteer?

If you're looking to help out you can get involved by doing one of the following:

• Sign up online at uweci.org/volunteernow
• Call 224-406-1366 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Visit Linn County Emergency Management, located at 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to get registered

Those that need to be connected to volunteers can contact the Emergency Volunteer Reception Center at 224-406-1366.

Tree Debris

The City of Cedar Rapids sent out a press release stating that as of Monday morning 48,000 tons of debris has been collected. Continue to separate tree debris from other debris like shingles, gutters, and glass. Also, cut into less than 10-feet-long sections, if possible.

For more information regarding the storm damage response, visit Linn County's website.