Midland County is shifting into the recovery stage following the historic flood, working to create long-term solutions and meet basic needs.

The Long Term Disaster Recovery Group is working collaboratively to lead recovery and rebuild efforts. Made up of a broad representation of reginal nonprofits, corporations, businesses, government, faith community, civic groups and schools, they are working together to chart a path forward.

“Collaboration among many community partners has been a tremendous undertaking and blessing all at once. United Way has done an amazing job working with others partners in response efforts,” said Jenifier Boyer, Emergency Management Coordinator of Midland County. “As our community works together through the recovery phases of this catastrophic disaster, it is important that we continue collaboration with community partners and have a systematic process to continue to assess unmet needs and work to get the best return on the investment of those that have generously donated across the nation to make the greatest impact. The Long Term Disaster Recovery Group is working to do just that.”

The group has identified five key focus areas: financial support, volunteer coordination, housing, rebuild & construction, public relations and case management.

“When the flood first hit, the priority was getting basic needs and flood recovery items into the hands of people impacted,” said Holly Miller, president and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “Dow played an integral part in spearheading logistics to establish distribution sites. As the needs have now shifted, we are continuing to partner with Dow, the Long Term Disaster Recovery Group and the community to ensure our next steps create long-term impact.”

Beth Sorenson Prince, director of impact and capacity building at United Way of Midland County, said the distribution sites could not have evolved as quickly or successfully without Dow’s expertise. Dow volunteers were also present at the sites and helped organize items at the hangar, lending their support and skills.

“Supporting our neighbors, colleagues and citizens across the region who have been impacted by this historic flood remains paramount, in both the near- and long-term,” said Mary Beth Heydrick, vice president of Performance Materials and Coatings Envelope and Operations for North America North at Dow. “We will continue to lend our time, talents and resources, and will work with organizations and individuals throughout the community to recover, rebuild and move forward.”

One of the generous investments that Dow, United Way and Midland Area Community Foundation made in the first six weeks were vouchers for free laundry through the end of June. Those still needing help with laundry are encouraged to call 211 to connect with available resources.

“For the last month or so, we’ve provided basic needs and cleaning supplies while people were mucking out their houses. Though these basic need items will be available on a limited basis, we look forward on focusing on the rebuilding of our community,” Prince said.

To adapt with the changing needs, resource centers will consolidate in terms of hours and location sites. This transition will happen in two stages.

DISTRIBUTION CENTER CHANGES

During the week of June 29, all sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday, July 2. All sites will close from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.

Beginning Monday, July 6, site hours and dates will shift to the following:

  • Meridian Elementary School, 3343 N Meridian Road, Sanford: MWF, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Sanford Senior Center (limited supplies), 3243 N. West River Road, Sanford: M-F, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Greater Midland Community Center (Senior Wing), 2205 Jefferson Ave, Midland: MWF, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • West Midland Family Center, 4011 W Isabella Road, Shepherd: M-F, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Greater Midland North Family Center, 2601 E Shearer Road, Midland: M-F, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Greater Midland Coleman Family Center, 4839 N Coleman Schools Drive, Coleman: M-F, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Beginning Monday, July 13, site locations will consolidate to the following:

  • Sanford Senior Center (offering personal hygiene kits and cleaning kits), 3243 N. West River Road, Sanford: M-F, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Greater Midland Community Center (Senior Wing), 2205 Jefferson Ave, Midland: MWF, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • West Midland Family Center, 4011 W Isabella Road, Shepherd: M-TH, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm; F, 9:30 am – noon
  • Greater Midland North Family Center, 2601 E Shearer Road, Midland: M-F, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

“We want to recognize our dedicated nonprofit partner agencies and the many ways they have stepped up to support families in need.  They are leading the charge on these resource centers and are uniquely positioned to sustain this vital support to our community,” shared Miller. “We also want to recognize our partners at Trinseo, who stepped in to lead the Meridian Site during the transition and consolidation. Their leadership has been instrumental along with the many local individuals and groups stepping up to volunteer each day.”