CHISHOLM - As communities across the state continue to clean up and repair from June’s flooding, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is offering financial support to households in its service area to assist as they recover from the disaster.
Impacted residents can request up to $1,500 to be applied to flood related bills, replace damaged appliances, or purchase building materials. An application is required, and individuals must be able to provide proof of residence at the time of flooding, verification of flood damage, and a demonstration of need.
Local suppliers who have committed to working with the program to date include: Cook Building Center, Keenan’s TV and Appliance Center, Menards, Perpich TV, and Pohaki Lumber.
“So many of our neighbors have been absolutely devastated by the damage to their homes and are dealing with the aftermath,” said UWNEMN Community Impact Director Crystal Royer. “We hope it brings some solace to know that the entire region is uniting to support them.”
UWNEMN’s 2024 Flood Recovery fund application release comes after weeks of communication with local residents; city, county, and state leaders; and American Red Cross.
“As soon as flooding started, we sprang to action to do what we do best – fill gaps to meet critical needs,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “As members of our team were cleaning out their own basements, others began delivering supplies.”
“At the same time, we were coordinating with those affected and others taking action to determine what the biggest gap to fill would be,” Shay said. “The feedback was resounding; the highest unmet need is financial assistance. Many impacted residents do not have adequate insurance coverage for their damages.”
Spurred by a $10,000 grant from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, UWNEMN set a goal of raising $100,000 to be able to provide meaningful gifts to as many impacted residents as possible.
To date, more than $60,000 has been raised thanks to additional support from the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, Twin Metals, Pohaki Lumber, Park State Bank, Range Association of Realtors, and Z’up North Realty. UWNEMN will continue to raise funds while they distribute them to affected residents.
“We did not want to wait to reach our full goal before releasing assistance because we know people need help now,” Royer said.
To apply for UWNEMN’s 2024 Flood Recovery funding – or to donate to support the fund – visit www.unitedwaynemn.org/floodhelp. To request a paper application, call 218-215-2420 or email crystal@unitedwaynemn.org. 
Donations can also be mailed directly to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Donors are requested to specify their donation is for flood recovery.