City of Appleton Shares Available Flood Recovery Resources

APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) – The City of Appleton is working with local organizations to ensure community members have access to resources to help them cope with the effects of the July floods.

This happened after the city was refused aid from government institutions.

United Way 211 is providing financial planning and mental health support, while Rebuilding Together Fox Valley is providing disaster recovery support to those impacted by the flooding.

Cecilia Bernal is one of many people affected by flooding in her region.

“The resources are so good. I’m from another country and it’s hard to find these resources,” Bernal said.

While the damage could have been greater, he believes this new list of news sources, a comprehensive online offering, could make a big difference to someone.

Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford said the city tried to get financial assistance for flood victims through the county, state and federal governments, but the damage did not meet the criteria to qualify for assistance.

“To qualify for this type of support from the state, we as a city government would have to have a loss of $357,000,” Woodford said.

But government officials have taken action, and this is where the social partners come in.

Rebuilding Together Fox Valley offers home renovation services, such as replacing a water heater or furnace, for free if you meet 80% of the median household income.

“What we can do is go in and do an assessment of the home,” said Chip Wood, executive director of Rebuilding Together Fox Valley. “Determine what additional repairs and modifications need to be done. Work with our current financial partners who are not aligned with this coalition but be able to get people back to that safe and healthy standard.”

While some in the community believe the city is doing everything it can, it cannot bring back the lost memories.

“Sometimes when water gets in the basement, you have to replace everything. I have a family member who had it last year and she had to buy everything. Whatever she had in her basement, she had to redo everything,” Bernal said.

A list of resources can be found on the United Way Fox Cities website.