World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) is helping homeowners this week who have been affected by localized flooding in West Michigan. Since Wednesday, DRS Rapid Response volunteers have been working with Multi-Agency Resources Centers (MARCs) in Osceola and Newaygo counties after the Muskegon River overflowed about ten days ago.
The resource centers are identifying residents who qualify for assistance and then connecting them to local organizations that can provide the food, housing, clean-up services, and cleaning supplies they need.
World Renew DRS is assisting qualified homeowners with clean up until the end of April, and perhaps longer, says DRS Director Bill Adams. Local news outlets report that the river has crested and personnel at the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids is predicting a slow, downward trend to the flooding in the coming weeks.
Doug and Mary Vander Meulen are World Renew DRS volunteers who have been working at the MARC locations this week. “In many of the affected homes, the water rose up through the flooring,” Mary said. “Homeowners are worried about mold and rot, and they are concerned about damage to their belongings. I’m really glad that World Renew DRS is working with MARC to offer people the help they need."
After World Renew DRS contacted New Community Christian Reformed Church in Newago, volunteers were able to assist a member of the congregation who was affected by the flood, gutting the house and treating it for mold.
“Clean up after flooding is big job, and many don't have the tools or the physical ability to work on their home,” said Andy Vander Meer, Rapid Response team leader. “World Renew DRS is there to help.”
After a long, hard winter of heavy snow, the spring rains sent the Muskegon River over its banks and caused power outages that affected 7,500 residents in four counties. Local officials closed roads and made evacuation requests to those living in the flood plain, noting the danger of remaining in a structure that is under water.
