(Updated July 1, 2024 - 9:15 a.m. CT)
It has been over a week since flooding began in Northwest Iowa and the American Red Cross is on the ground across the region, providing vital support and comfort to those forced from their homes, even as the situation continues to evolve.
Beginning with the first evacuations and the onset of flooding, the Red Cross mobilized volunteers and resources to provide vital care and comfort in the affected communities. More than 225 Red Cross disaster workers have been assisting in this response effort.
Flooding continues in much of Northwest Iowa as rivers rise to record levels. In some areas, waters are beginning to recede even as people downstream prepare for the high waters to reach their neighborhoods.
The Red Cross is currently managing or supporting five shelters in Northwest Iowa:
Clay County Regional Event Center, 800 West 18th Street, Spencer, IA 51301
Faith Reformed Church, 1305 7th Street, Rock Valley, IA 51247
West Sioux High School, 1300 Falcon Drive, Hawarden, IA 51023
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5010 Military Road, Sioux City, IA 51103
Correctionville River Valley Community School, 916 Hackberry Street, Correctionville, IA 51016
Since the onset of the flooding, there have been more than 2,700 overnight stays in shelters managed or supported by the Red Cross. Last night, the Red Cross and partners supported over 200 people in shelters.
The Red Cross has also provided more than 28,000 meals and snacks to affected residents. Additionally, the Red Cross is distributing clean-up kits and relief supplies, already putting more than 6,500 supplies in the hands of residents.
While the current focus is on addressing the immediate needs of those affected, the Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping residents and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. As it is safe to do so, Red Cross volunteers will assess the residential damage in impacted communities. This work will help to better understand what help families may need in the coming days, weeks and months. The Red Cross remains in contact with local officials across the impacted areas to evaluate the needs of the impacted communities.
HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS?
Residents affected by the storms can receive helpby calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The free Red Cross Emergency app can be downloaded for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for emergencies such as flooding.
VOLUNTEER
At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster in Northwest Iowa. If you would like to become a trained Red Cross volunteer – you can complete an application at redcross.org/volunteer. The application process can take a few days and requires your authorization for a background check.Once your Red Cross application is complete, you will be contacted about your volunteer interest and referred to the appropriate department for necessary training.
DONATE
To support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like the floods in Iowa, you can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
GIVE BLOOD
The flooding caused the cancellation of several blood drives in the affected areas, resulting in more than 130 units of blood going uncollected. The Red Cross encourages those in unaffected areas to make and keep blood donation appointments now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).