As communities across St. Louis County battle wildfires, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is raising funds to help households in its service area recover from the disaster.
The need was first identified by partner agency American Red Cross in Minnesota. UWNEMN will partner with them, county and local officials, and other non-profits to allocate crisis funding locally once secured.
“It’s one of our greatest honors and motivators that in times of crisis we are among the first phone calls made by leaders like the Red Cross, individuals seeking help, and individuals who want to help,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “We take our role in responding to these types of emergencies seriously and are poised and ready to help our neighbors in need.”
UWNEMN has an extensive history operating crisis funds. Last year, the organization secured and distributed $95,000 through its Flood Recovery program which assisted 89 individuals with clean-up and damaged item replacement.
“As quickly as we secure this type of funding, we get it back into the community,” Shay said.
There is no administrative fee associated with this fund; 100% of proceeds will go to impacted community members.
While UWNEMN works to establish its wildfire recovery fund, the organization is able to provide immediate assistance through its Comforts of Home program which can replace lost items with a referral from agencies like the Red Cross or St. Louis County.
Household essentials available through UWNEMN’s Comforts of Home are donated directly by local stores; the organization is not accepting donated items. UWNEMN leadership is not aware of any local entities currently accepting donations of items, food, or beverages.
“We have been assured that volunteers and residents alike have adequate access to food, water, and other immediate needs,” Shay said. “As we look toward long-term stabilization, we anticipate individual needs will be unique; the best way to help at this time is to contribute to recovery funds.”
Donations to support UWNEMN’s wildfire recovery fund can be made online OR can be mailed directly to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Donors are requested to specify their donation is for fire recovery.
Head of the Lakes United Way is working to establish a similar fund to support Lake County community members impacted by wildfires.