Money is still available for former tenants of the Davenport Apartments who were displaced by the partial collapse and later demolition of the six-story structure at 324 Main St., Davenport.
Every household in the building impacted by the May 28 disaster that left three dead and several injured is eligible for a total of $3,500 in financial assistance through the Disaster Recovery Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Households which have not yet accessed funds are encouraged to do so by calling (563) 265-5500.
People from the Quad Cities region and across the country donated to support the fund.
“In partnership with Disaster Ready Quad Cities and Quad Cities Open Network and their Supplemental Emergency Assistance program, we have been able to steadily convert these generous donations into grants that result in direct financial assistance to the individuals and families impacted,” said Kelly Thompson, the Community Foundation’s vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives.
“Outreach workers from several local nonprofit agencies have connected with most eligible households to make sure they know they can access these resources. People have used funds for rent and deposit on new apartments, furniture, transportation or even gift cards to use flexibly as they need to,” added Ms. Thompson, who also is the chair of the long-term recovery committee with Disaster Ready Quad Cities.
But the agency said some renters have been difficult to get in touch with due to a lack of phone numbers or wrong numbers. “We are taking every measure we can to reach all affected households to get these funds in their hands and help them start over,” Ms. Thompson said. “We are asking for the community’s help to do that.”
Funds are available to those households that were residents of 324 Main and registered earlier this summer with the American Red Cross, including the families of the three residents who passed away in the building collapse. There is no income restriction to receive these funds.
If an individual 324 Main St. household is already working with SAL Community Services’ Open Door, Humility Homes and Services, Community Action of Eastern Iowa or The Salvation Army, members should contact assigned outreach workers to access the funds.
If a household is not currently working with any agency, members should contact SAL Community Services’ Open Door at (563) 265-5500 and ask for Tammy Trice.
