The Davenport residents left homeless by the partial apartment building collapse at 324 Main St. are getting some major financial help from the people of the Quad Cities.
The Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Disaster Recovery Fund has collected $80,000 from more than 250 area residents and businesses to help those impacted by the building disaster over Memorial Day weekend.
“These financial gifts came alongside donated items, volunteered time, fundraising efforts, and an outpouring of generosity that comes as no surprise to those fortunate enough to call the Quad Cities home. Our community, as it always does, jumped into action,” Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Community Foundation, said in a news release.
Ms. Hafkemeyer told the QCBJ today, June 8, that the money is being used to buy mobile phones, gift cards and other items to help the former tenants of the apartment building.
“There are so many generous people in the Quad Cities. … They are helping make lives better,” she added.
Ms. Hafkemeyer said she didn’t know the number of people from the apartment building being helped through the Disaster Recovery Fund.
According to information from the Community Foundation, all the money donated will be used for needs in the Quad Cities area. The fund specifically supports nonprofits that need additional resources to support people for the long haul in the community after a disaster, natural or man-made, occurs,” according to the foundation.
“We are incredibly grateful to be able to get resources to those in need within days of when donations started coming into the fund. We hope more resources will be available as our community continues to give generously,” the Quad Cities Community Foundation said on its Facebook page.
Those who need help through the Disaster Relief Fund may call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Established in 2016, the Disaster Recovery Fund provides financial support to organizations in Scott and Rock Island counties, ensuring they have swift access to the resources they need immediately following a disaster and throughout the recovery process. The fund remains open and donations are being taken still to help the victims of the tragedy. Donations may be made here.
