May 31, 2011 – We recently heard from Sandra Nipper, Associate Executive of the Apartment Association of Central Oklahoma, an area also hit with killer tornadoes last week.
Sandra reports: “Most in our area appear to be doing okay with some wind and rain damage in some locations. At least one member property in Chickasha sustained severe damage to at least five of their buildings, but our grapevine informed me late Wednesday they already had numerous people on hand cleaning up and the Red Cross was already there.” Sandra suggests that NAA members who wish to help should contribute to the American Red Cross. (Contact information is below.)
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Apartment residents are among the thousands affected by the widespread devastation in Joplin, Mo., following Sunday’s killer tornados. Hundreds -- if not thousands of residents -- have been left without homes, whether apartments or houses.
Both NAA Affiliates and member companies have responded with an outpouring of support. They include:
The Missouri Apartment Association (MAA) Affiliates have joined forces to help the Red Cross and the NAA Affiliate’s members in Joplin, according to Debbie Haukenberry, Associate Executive, Missouri Apartment Association.
Debbie says that both the Apartment Association of Kansas City and the MAA have already donated or will donate funds. In addition, members have collected supplies to take to drop-off locations in Joplin. “All affiliates are asking for donations and will conduct an ongoing donation drive through the next few months. With the number of apartment industry members we have in these two states, we should be able to help considerably,” Debbie reports.
Karen Shymanski, Associate Executive of the St. Louis Apartment Association (SLAA), reports that the SLAA Board of Directors has made a generous donation to Convoy of Hope. “SLAA members will make a huge impact very quickly,” she says. This contribution comes on the heels of SLAA members raising more than $1,600 to donate to the American Red Cross after tornados struck parts of St. Louis County on April 22.
The Greater Dayton Apartment Association Rent Foundation has donated generously both to the Red Cross and the Convoy of Hope to help the victims in Joplin, says Joanna Lindberg, Associate Executive.
Properties Plus, Inc., a Tulsa property management company, has closed its properties’ offices and sent all of its employees along with two trucks filled with supplies to Joplin.
In addition, Cesar Mendez with Mendez Enterprises has donated trucks to help carry critical supplies, BluSky Restoration in Joplin is seeking out NAA members to see what help they need, and Oddo Development has donated $1,000 to buy supplies.
On Wednesday, we heard from Cheryl Brown, Associate Executive of the Southwest Missouri Rental Housing Association in Joplin. Her e-mail follows:
“I haven't heard from very many members. I have put out a e-mail to all members asking what is going on and availability of units -- getting lots of calls of course. Only heard from 3 members so far -- most may be out of power. I do know that at least one member has had a death in family over this. Will keep advised.”
The help of NAA members across the U.S. is needed as well. Becky Weaver, CPM, Vice President of the American Residential Group in Tulsa, recommends that NAA members donate to the American Red Cross. “The few people we have been able to reach tell us that, at this point, that they don’t yet know what they need,” she said.
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Missouri Southern State University, distributing food, clean-up supplies and comfort kits, and sending health workers to provide immediate care. Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or visit the website to donate, give blood or volunteer.
In addition to the Red Cross, the MAA Board of Directors recommends Convoy of Hope, a Springfield, Mo.-based organization that is heavily involved in this effort. Convoy of Hope is distributing water, food and supplies. Text "CONVOY" to 50555 to make a $10 donation, or visit the website to donate.
A number of people have asked about drop-off locations for donations for Joplin victims. The Red Cross asks that items be taken to these locations:
Salvation Army
320 East 8th St
Joplin, MO 64801
417/624-4528
Crosslines
131 South High St
Joplin, MO 64802
417/762-8384
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following ways to help tornado victims in Joplin or elsewhere:
The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has established a web portal to coordinate donations and volunteers. Cash is the preferred method because it offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover as well.
Those in Missouri can also call 2-1-1 in most areas for information on volunteering their time or making a donation. This 2-1-1 service, operated by the United Way, is available through much of Missouri. For those who are out of state or unable to get through on 2-1-1, call 800/427-4626. Those with medical skills interested in volunteering can go online at www.showmeresponse.org.
Helping Survivors in Other States
For those who have been affected in Minnesota or other states outside Missouri or those who want to help can visit www.fema.gov/howtohelp.
Other Resources
If you or someone you know is looking for a friend or relative who may have been affected the storms, visit www.Redcross.org/safeandwell.
If you have questions about how you can help, contact:
Valerie Hairston, Director of Membership & Affiliate Services
valerie@naahq.org
703/797-0624
If you are a member of the news media, contact:
Carole Roper, Manager of Public Affairs
carole@naahq.org
703/797-0616
Updates will be provided to NAA affiliates as new information becomes available.