Final Flood Relief Report: For July 20,21, & 22 MARC In Round Lake Beach
As an active member of the Northeast Illinois Community Organizations Active in Disaster (NEIL COAD) The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Department participated in a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in response to families and individuals in Lake County Illinois who were impacted by recent flooding.
The three-day MARC center was housed in a former retail store in Round Lake Beach. The MARC was open daily from Thursday, July 20th through Saturday, July 22nd.
The MARC is an efficient way to deliver services to individuals and families affected by a disaster by bringing together multiple service providers in a single location and providing on-site assistance. Specific types of assistance and services provided at the Lake County MARC were determined by participating agencies according to community needs and available resources. These include: Assistance locating temporary housing; Information about the casework process, how to obtain assistance, and referrals to other off-site services as available; Emotional and spiritual care, as well as other health and mental health services also provided an opportunity for MARC staff to receive support and prevent emotional fatigue.
Regional and statewide disaster organizations including The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Lutheran Disaster Response, United Church of Christ, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Adventist Community Services, shared resources at the MARC, including feeding, bulk distribution, and clean-up assistance. Agencies of the State of Illinois also were present, such as Insurance, Attorney General, Driver’s License Services and others.
During the three day MARC, The Salvation Army EDS Services was responsible for managing the distribution of all in-kind donations which included the distribution of 1,000 food boxes and 1,000 personal hygiene kits. This assistance was possible due to a recent partnership with the Midwest Food Bank in Normal, Illinois. In addition, over 1,000 flood clean-up kits were distributed throughout Lake County.
In keeping with the Army’s “hallmark” of disaster service, families and individuals also received meals, snacks, hydration, and beverages throughout the three days of service.
In addition, in partnership with the Metro Division’s Service Extension Department, emergency case management was provided. As a part of this service, families were offered appointments to provide long-term support for connecting families and individuals with other community agencies in the Lake County area. Coupled with Salvation Army and other community resources, families and individuals not only received immediate material support but also “Hope” for the coming days in practical ways.
Statistics
- 812 families served through in-kind donations
- 6,496 items were distributed
- Over 700 families were seen by Service Extension and volunteer staff
- 690 meals served
- 838 snacks served
- 888 beverages served
Final Note: Friday and Saturday, July 28th and 29th a second MARC service center will serve flood-affected families and individuals in McHenry County. The Salvation Army will provide similar services at this MARC.