CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Adopt the resolution approving the establishment of a disaster relief program in partnership with Loaves and Fishes Community Services
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DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
SUBMITTED BY: Marcie Schatz, Assistant to the City Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
NA
BACKGROUND:
On June 20, 2021, an EF-3 tornado touched down in Naperville and Woodridge. The city completed an after-action report identifying opportunities for improvement within the organization. In addition, staff identified gaps and opportunities for improved collaboration with residents, community organizations, and non-profits to assist in the response to future local disasters. While the city focuses efforts on public safety, damage assessments, utility and infrastructure response, we can better leverage community partners to assist in disaster recovery.
In the days and weeks following the June 2021 tornado, community members sought opportunities to financially contribute to the homeowners directly affected by the tornado. While neighbors and the school community collected gift cards and distributed them to affected families, there was no organized fund that would guarantee that funds would stay local and provide support to affected residents. Many residents and some community groups contributed to the Red Cross, later understanding that these funds do not come directly back to Naperville residents.
Area residents, volunteers and city staff held an open house in December 2021 to better understand the outstanding needs in the community. With the information from the needs assessment, a resident group was formed that sought to partner with a 501(c)(3) to fundraise and secure grants to complete yard and landscape replacement for affected homeowners. After significant effort to find a 501(c)(3) partner, Naperville Tornado Relief Fund (NTRF) was created when the resident group partnered with MP Foundation. NTRF secured state and city funding t...
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