Foundation Establishes Flood Relief Emergency Fund

With the need for support from private residents and businesses, a special fund has been established at the OPRF Community Foundation for those who wish to contribute to the recovery efforts following the recent historic flooding that inundated a significant number of River Forest homes near the Des Plaines river. The fund is to aid residents with greatest need.  All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Contributions can be mailed or delivered to the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation at 1049 Lake Street, suite 204, in Oak Park or can be dropped off at the River Forest village mailbox at 400 Park Avenue. Checks should be made out to the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation c/o Emergency Flood Fund. You can also donate on-line by clicking on the Donate Now button and specifying “Flood Relief Emergency Fund”.

Here’s the situation --

Although the water has gone down and the sandbags have been removed, many River Forest residents are still feeling the effects of 8 feet flood water that occurred in September. Several residents are still without basic essentials. In some cases, taking hot showers or cooking food at home remains a problem for those without water heaters. In other circumstances the physical repair of homes are so severe the cost of clean up and repair exceeds the financial resources of households - particularly persons with disabilities and seniors without flood insurance. Residents where family support is not readily available, recovery requires assistance in replacing furnishings or personal items – including one elderly resident who lost financial records in the rising waters.

With convening facilitated by the Community Foundation, the Village of River Forest met with service providers, the township and local funding sources to ensure such a coordinated approach continues.

The Village and partner organizations worked to determine how best to provide additional follow up contact with flood victims for wellness checks and assessments, a need identified after village employees made door to door outreach to residents. Counseling support can be provided if appropriate and further assistance with clean-up, replacement of damaged equipment, and even reconstruction can be assesed. “The personal devastation experienced by local flood victims can not be overcome without a community response to what has become a costly recovery,” said Sophia Lloyd, executive director of the OPRF Community Foundation, “To have OPRF local funding sources, nonprofits, the township and the Village of River Forest at the table strategizing how to deliver needed financial and community resources is what defines community.”

 

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