HOUGHTON COUNTY, MI-- With massive cleanup efforts now underway in Houghton County, officials are asking people for donations.
At a press conference Tuesday, Houghton County Emergency Management Coordinator Chris VanArsdale said crews are in need of paper products, plastic gloves, money, shovels, buckets, wheelbarrows, and rakes. Volunteers are also needed to help remove debris and clean out houses filled with mud so residents can move back into them.
Local officials are in the process of identifying which structures were the most affected and need to be stabilized. Governor Rick Snyder declared the county a disaster area Monday, freeing up state resources, and officials are asking the federal government for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Representative Scott Dianda says all residents whose property was damaged should call 211 in order to get a home assessment. That way the state can gather claims to qualify for FEMA funding. Officials are asking homeowners to track all donations and expenses, take photos, and keep receipts.
The Keweenaw Community Foundation, Portage Health Foundation, and several area churches have established disaster relief funds. If sending a check, be sure to put “flood relief” or “disaster relief” in the memo so the money can be allocated correctly.
To volunteer or for more information about donating, dial 211.
