New Flood Assessment Could Mean More Help for Linn County Victims

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Dave Franzman

Story Created: Aug 15, 2008 at 4:19 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 15, 2008 at 5:10 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - A new push begins Monday to aid flood victims in Linn County and Cedar Rapids. But those impacted by the flood will need to take the time to help themselves.

The Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition is asking hundreds of flood victims to spend up to half an hour over the next two weeks completing a flood assessment survey. But the reward for that time spent could be financial help picking up where FEMA, loans and insurance have left off.

Beginning Monday, nearly 30 local volunteers and others from out-of-state church groups will man walk in center locations. Their job is to counsel flood victims and walk them through an application process.

The recovery coalition has set up nine sites in Cedar Rapids, Central City, Lisbon, Marion and Palo (see list and times). That process will continue for two weeks.

Organizers say they understand people struggling to rebuilding after the flooding need a helping hand and not paperwork. But without the information, they can't find or identify unmet flood needs.

Leslie Wright, Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition, said "we don't know the folks are out there--won't know what they need so we're trying to plan for the resources that will be needed."

Larry Groothuis, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, is leading the group of church-sponsored volunteers who will oversee the assessment work. Groothuis said "if you don't come down and do the assessment you're not in the database and you're going to get lost in the system."

Organizers hope flood victims come to the walk in centers but they're prepared to good door to door in impacted areas to seek out those who need help.

Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition Flyer.

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