More than 1,200 people served during first day of Disaster Recovery Center
In its first day of operation, more than 1,200 people were helped at the Disaster Recovery Center in north Minneapolis. The center will be open until 7 p.m. and anyone who was in line by 3 p.m. will receive services today. People who arrived after 3 p.m. are being asked to return tomorrow. The center will be open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Organizers will evaluate the ongoing hours of the center based on the needs of the community in the first few days.
More than 300 staff and volunteers were on hand to help the residents and small businesses affected by the tornado who came out to the Recovery Center today. The center provides basic essentials, public assistance, resources and information to people working to get their lives back to normal. The center is part of the continuing efforts of the City and its partners to get folks back in their homes, ensure their safety, and provide the assistance and resources they need to make it through this difficult time.
The center is located at the Farview Recreation Center, 621 29th Ave. N. Some of the services offered include:
- Basic supplies that may include as available tarps, toiletries, flashlights, batteries, diapers, etc.
- Help receiving food support, applying for temporary family shelter, or applying for any general public assistance programs
- Behavioral health services and counseling
- Prescription/medication replacement assistance
- Clothing vouchers for an off-site location
- Help with public schools needs and questions
- On site-child care while people who are using the center’s services
The City of Minneapolis is operating the center in partnership with Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, and the Red Cross.
Published May. 25, 2011