United Way Launches Fund for Leominster Flood Relief
United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has created a fund to assist local community members impacted by recent catastrophic flooding in the city of Leominster. The Leominster Flood Relief Fund will provide financial assistance and supplies to residents impacted by the flash flooding.
During the evening of September 11, Leominster was inundated with nearly 10 inches of rain, creating flash floods that washed out roads, stranded vehicles, and damaged many homes and businesses. The city declared a state of emergency as residents were evacuated from multiple areas due to a dam collapse and the formation of sinkholes. A town school served as an emergency shelter.
Support will be especially critical as more rain is anticipated in the days to come.
UWNCM has a long history of supporting North Central communities in times of disaster and crisis. UWNCM President Kory Eng shared, “Our hearts go out to the families and individuals in Leominster impacted by this once-in-a-lifetime storm. Our Day of Caring is this Friday, but we’ve already seen our region’s caring in action as so many people and businesses have stepped up to help, to donate, to volunteer.”
UWNCM has coordinated with the City of Leominster to launch the Fund, and through a collaboration with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF), donations to the Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. One-hundred percent of donations given to the Fund will go to support residents impacted by the flooding.
Steve Adams, President of CFNCM, states, “The recent devastating floods in the City of Leominster have left some citizens homeless and many in need of essential services. Clean-up after this will be immense. This Fund will help residents recover, and we’re humbled to have a hand in helping them rebuild their lives.”
“Our thoughts are with our neighbors in Leominster as they work to recover from this unexpected devastation to their community,” shared GWCF President Peter Dunn. “Contributions to the Flood Relief Fund will go a long way in helping them do so.”
Many residents of Leominster are facing horrific losses, as historically dry homes and basements unexpectedly filled with water and destroyed foundations, belongings, and precious memories. One Leominster resident commented, “The rainfall came down so quickly, and before I knew it, I had water rushing into the basement and a river running through my backyard where there never was one before. Pieces of my road floated away. It was truly terrifying.”
UWNCM is appealing to the community to support those impacted by the flood by making a donation to the Fund. To donate, text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit uwncm.org/leominster-flood-relief.
