Midland Area Community Foundation and Long-Term Recovery Group to explore volunteer opportunities during the next Flood Recovery Session via Zoom
In conjunction with the Long-Term Recovery Group, Midland Area Community Foundation will be looking at the past, present, and future needs of flood recovery volunteers during the September 9, 2021, Flood Recovery Session via Zoom at 10:30 AM.
“Long Term Flood Recovery is still identifying repair and rebuild projects in our community; this will be an ongoing process until we can address the needs from the devastating flood and dam failure. With the ongoing identification of projects, we have a continual need for volunteers to help with the rebuild process,” said Erich Ostrander, Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity. “Individuals can volunteer with any skill level; all they need to volunteer is a desire to help. We have volunteer opportunities for painting, siding, landscaping, framing repairs, and everything in between. If a volunteer has a desire to help, we will find an opportunity for them.”
Presenters for September’s session are Ostrander and Bre Skar, Volunteer Coordinator for United Way of Midland County.
“Flood recovery is a long and dynamic process, with no two projects alike. We are always searching for innovative ways to show up for our community to ensure safety and impact. It’s a delicate balance to implement volunteers at the right time to reduce dollars spent in recovery while also ensuring we are not delaying the “return to home” timeline for our displaced residents,” said Sklar. “To date, volunteers have saved our community $859K in flood recovery simply by being a hand raiser and showing up for their neighbors. The dollars saved is just one piece of the story, though. The experience of helping our neighbors is an act that will not be soon forgotten. It is a treasure to share skills in the community and blend them in a way that makes a difference.”
Flood Recovery Sessions are open to everyone. Attendees are required to register for sessions at www.midlandfoundation.org/zoomintoflood. Sessions are held monthly on the second Thursday of the month. Sessions are recorded for on-demand viewing on the Community Foundation’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend. To view any past sessions, please visit www.midlandfoundation.org/zoomintoflood or visit ReliefMidland.org.
For more information about the Community Foundation’s involvement with the Long-Term Recovery Group, follow Midland Area Community Foundation on Facebook, or call the Community Foundation at 989-839-9661.