Going on two weeks after high winds and tornadoes tore through the area, a lot of progress has been made in recovery and restoration of services, but efforts are still ongoing to put those in need of resources in contact with agencies working to extend resources.
That includes a multiagency resource center (MARC) which will be held to provide information to storm victims from noon to 7 p.m. today at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
The MARC is a central location for local and state agencies and human service organizations to provide information and disaster-related assistance.
Proof of address and picture identification are required of anyone seeking assistance, and a meal will be provided, organizers said.
Available information that may be included relates to insurance filing, legal services, food stamp (SNAP) replacement services, health and wellness services and emergency financial assistance, and gift cards.
Anyone who was impacted by the high winds and tornadoes of March 14 is invited to attend.
Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative announced Friday, a week after the storm, power had been restored to all but about 100 members affected. However, HOEC reminded members if they remain without power to contact them so they can get any further issues corrected. To report a continued power outage, call 417-256-2131 or 888-HOE-POWER. HOEC officials thanked all for their patience during recovery.
HOEC General Manager Dan Singletary has been providing daily video updates on the HOEC website since March 15, the morning after the storms; he initially reported about 6,300 customers lost power, with two West Plains area substations hit, and one in Koshkonong.
Workers experienced a setback on March 19 when high winds brought down additional lines, causing the loss of power to about 600 members, which was resolved within about a day. As of Friday morning, 435 poles had been replaced with 25 remaining.
Red Cross officials are calling for volunteers after five Red Cross shelters have been closed statewide.
The Red Cross continues to operate in storm hit areas, providing services and connecting storm victims with resources, and officials are encouraging citizens to volunteer to assist by staffing MARCs
Specifically, the centers are being held on the following dates and locations: Wednesday in West Plains, Thursday in Poplar Bluff and Van Buren, Friday in Poplar Bluff and Doniphan, Saturday in Piedmont and Perryville, and Sunday in Piedmont.
Red Cross officials said the recovery effort is far from over and about 125 American Red Cross volunteers and staff are still supporting disaster relief efforts in the Missouri and Arkansas region, including responders from 17 states. Their efforts included distributing emergency supplies, assessing damage, and managing shelters.
So far, officials said, Red Cross teams have conducted over 1,600 damage assessments of impacted homes across the region and provided nearly 1,700 snacks and meals and more than 2,500 clean up kits and other emergency clean up items.
There is still an urgent need for volunteers and the Red Cross encouraged anyone that wants to help facilitate services to call Jam Eni at 501-900-2363, or fill out a volunteer application at rdcrss.org/4hJ8DKn.
Those needing help can call 800-RED-CROSS. Those interested in joining a Red Cross disaster response team may visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
