Next phase of help coming to Kokomo tornado victims
KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) — As Kokomo neighbors continue to pick-up tornado damage pieces, the next phase of help is about to arrive.
It’s a storm Daryl Beachy’s block is still dealing with.
“We’re getting things cleaned up. My wife said last night, with no trees it’ll never be the same,” Beachy said.
While the tornado damaged Beachy’s home, his neighbors got it worse.
“A few shingles and the gutters all the way around, and about six or eight windows on the backside got busted, but I’m lucky,” Beachy said.
This doesn’t mean he doesn’t need help, he just hasn’t slowed down enough to find it.
“I haven’t taken time to find out anything, really,” Beachy said. “People stop by, the Red Cross stopped by, but I haven’t taken the time to do that.”
Things are about to be easier. Wednesday, the Red Cross will open a client assistance center. A place to ask questions, get answers, and learn about help outside the red cross.
“211 connect is where we’re directing a lot of people,” American Red Cross spokesperson Mark Slusher said. “That’s kind of a clearing house of all the different agencies that are offering everything from physical help in cleaning up your house to different long term recovery efforts, and things like that.”
Your home doesn’t have to be destroyed in order visit the center. Red Cross said anyone with tornado issues can go. However, the extent of the damage might determine what help is available.
Volunteers know neighbors are busy. This is why people don’t have to show right away.
“Just to hang in there, and be strong like they have,” Slusher said. “We look forward to helping people get back on track.”
A message Beachy likes to hear. Although, he’s just glad to get a new mailbox.
“That right there made me feel, okay, now we’re going in the other way,” Beachy said.
Red Cross is asking people to call before visiting the center, this way people can pre-register. The number is 317-817-5619.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security leaders said the state hasn’t requested federal aid. Assessments are being conducted before a decision will be made.