Heart of Indiana United Way Launches Fund to Support Long-Term Flood Recovery Across Five-County Region

White River near the Payless Supermarket plaza off of S. Tillotson Ave. Photo by Mike Rhodes

By Kim Williams—

MUNCIE, IN—Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph Counties – Heart of Indiana United Way has launched a Long-Term Flood Recovery Fund to help individuals and families across Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties recover and rebuild following significant flooding throughout the region.

While immediate response efforts are underway, Heart of Indiana United Way leaders know from experience that the needs created by a disaster can continue long after floodwaters recede.

“Right now, our communities are focused on immediate needs and making sure people are safe,” said Jenni Marsh, President & CEO of Heart of Indiana United Way. “But we also know there will be families who are still trying to put their lives back together weeks and months from now. We want to make sure resources are there to help them through that recovery.”

One hundred percent of donations to the fund will go directly to long-term flood recovery efforts. Donors are encouraged to give where the need is greatest, allowing funds to be directed to the communities and families with the most significant unmet recovery needs. Because the extent of damage and available resources will vary from county to county, this flexibility will help ensure donations can have the greatest possible impact.

Donors who prefer to support a particular community may also designate their gift to Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison or Randolph County.

Heart of Indiana United Way has served a similar role following previous disasters in the region, including tornadoes that impacted Pendleton, Selma and Winchester. Those efforts have helped bring together funding and community partners to address needs that remain.

As recovery efforts develop, funds will ultimately support the work of local Long-Term Recovery Committees in affected counties. These committees bring community organizations and resources together to identify unmet needs and help individuals and families recover, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured or have needs not covered by other assistance.

“Recovery looks different for every family,” Marsh said. “Our role is to help make sure our communities have resources available for those unmet needs and that the support raised for this disaster stays right here helping our neighbors recover.”

Donations to the Long-Term Flood Recovery Fund can be made at www.heartofindianaunitedway.org/floodrecovery. Donors will have the option to select a specific county or give where the need is greatest.

About Heart of Indiana United Way

Heart of Indiana United Way mobilizes communities to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. With deep local roots, across Delaware, Madison, Henry, Randolph, and Fayette Counties, they see how challenges like preparing children for success in school and life, achieving financial stability, and helping build people’s and communities’ resilience are all interconnected. Every day, they unite people and resources to tackle core challenges and create a future where everyone everywhere can reach their full potential. Learn more at HeartOfIndianaUnitedWay.org.