PORT CLINTON, Ohio — More than two weeks after multiple tornadoes touched down in northwest Ohio, many who were impacted are still recovering.
Multiple Ottawa County agencies are partnering to make sure those still in need have continuing support. A new long-term recovery committee has been established in the county.
Multiple agencies, including the Ottawa County EMA, Department of Job and Family Services, Salvation Army and others are working together to make sure no one that needs help recovering from last month's tornado slips through the cracks.
This includes the new Ottawa County Tornado Relief Fund to help cover the additional costs that insurance can't.
"We're not going to see any federal [dollars] or FEMA come in and give us grants or anything like that," said Fred Petersen, Ottawa County EMA Director. "So we need to handle it locally, and that's the best way to do it with all of those organizations represented."
Many people are still displaced from their homes and are commuting in rental vehicles. Others will have to pay large deductibles before insurance will pay out.
While these folks work to get back on their feet, anyone can donate to the fund at any Genoa Bank location to help.
"Those items still need to be replaced. There are a lot of people staying in hotels and don't have access to a stove," said Kami Sayr, director of the Salvation Army Port Clinton Service Center. "They need some nonperishable food items that they need to microwave. Things like that. There are a lot of things that people are going to need."
Organizers say they'll keep that fund at Genoa Bank open until it is confirmed that everyone impacted by that tornado has received assistance.
"Though insurance does cover it, a lot of times you find it goes against the overall amount, so it's less to rebuild with," Petersen said. "Large deductibles, deductibles on multiple pieces of equipment, or barns, or houses. So, those things are just adding up for people."
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