Volunteers Sought for Derecho Community Outreach

The City of Cedar Rapids is leading an effort to identify remaining obstacles residents are facing in derecho recovery and help refer them to available resources. Volunteers are being sought to help with this assessment process by going door-to-door to check-in with residents in neighborhoods that sustained significant derecho damage. Volunteer teams would include residents as well as City staff and nonprofit representatives.

Volunteers will work in pairs and be provided with a list of neighborhoods/addresses as well as an intake form to help capture remaining needs of residents, which could include private tree debris removal, home repairs, financial support, professional tree service, etc. Volunteers will also be provided with an orientation to help familiarize them with local resources and the assessment process.

This outreach will help ensure residents are being directed to available resources, support United Way in targeting additional volunteer efforts, and help the City put in place appropriate funding for assistance in removing tree debris from private property.

GET INVOLVED
Groups interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Community Service Coordinator Stephanie Schrader at 319-286-5855 or s.schrader@cedar-rapids.org. This outreach effort will run from now until approximately mid-June.

Resources Still Available for Assistance

Residents who need assistance are encouraged to contact Waypoint at 319-366-7999 if they have housing or tree debris needs. Waypoint serves as a single point of contact for assistance, and will help refer residents to the correct agency or resource, depending on the need.

The PATCH Program also remains open.

PATCH Program - Housing Rehabilitation
A donation-based program that was established after the derecho that assists homeowners with repairs or a gap loan for repairs. The City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County are working with our local nonprofits to ensure a coordinated effort.

Learn More: http://www.ecicog.org/patch.html or call Waypoint at 319-366-7999 to apply for the PATCH program.

Types of assistance includes:

• Construction management support
• Identifying immediate needs
• Identifying contractors
• Scheduling work
• Working with contractors throughout the construction/repair process
• Financial assistance
• Forgivable loans, averaging $15,000 per home
• 5-year forgivable mortgage placed on the property for the loan amount
• Repayment occurs when homeowner receives FEMA, SBA, insurance, or other proceeds
• A portion may be forgiven if the amount received from the above sources does not cover costs
• No credit check required to qualify

Program Requirements:

• Applicant must be the homeowner according to the Cedar Rapids or Linn County Assessor’s office
• Home must be:
• Owner-occupied
• Primary residence as of 8/10/2020
• Taxed as real estate
• Located in Linn County
• Insured or capable of being insured after work is completed
• Must meet household income requirements – www.ecicog.org/patch.html to view criteria