MUSKOGEE, Okla — Agencies like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities came together Saturday afternoon to help those impacted by the recent flooding in Muskogee.
The goal of the one-stop-shop event is to share what resources and assistance are available to those impacted by the recent flooding.
Kim O'Brien, disaster program specialist for the American Red Cross, told 2 News, “each agency brings a particular service to the M.A.R.C. (Multi-Agency Resource Center.) They bring gift cards. they can bring resources, and community resources. They bring referrals to other agencies or they can bring manpower to the job."
The American Red Cross said volunteers went out to assess damage from the severe storms that took place on May 4th.
Flooding and tornadoes spanned from southwest of Seminole to the Arkansas border south of U.S. 412. With hundreds of home damaged or destroyed.
The Red Cross is seeing a need for repairs to everything from floors to walls, furniture, restocking clothing, and replenishing basic household goods.
One common thing people don't realize the Red Cross can provide help with is medical needs.
“You ask people did you lose medicine? Well no I didn’t really lose medicine. I don’t take prescription medicine. Well, what about your ibuprofen and your Tylenol? Oh yeah," Janet Cordell, disaster health services lead with the American Red Cross, said.
Cordell said they can even reimburse you if you've already re-purchased medications.
They can even help with dentures, first aid kits, and glasses.
Cordell said people get a sense of relief when they realize the Red Cross can assist them with these needs.
The American Red Cross said 11 homes were destroyed, 71 have major damage, 181 have minor damage, and 382 have what the organization calls affected damage; for example, missing shingles or siding.
On Saturday, the Multi-Agency Resource Center had close to 65 families receiving help.
“There’s a lot of folks that were overwhelmed with having to begin again and have to go through the work of having to work with insurance companies, and I’ve seen stories of joy and hope and a positive outlook," O'Brien said.
If you were impacted by the recent flooding or tornadoes and need assistance, there will be another Multi-Agency Resource Center on Monday, May 16th.
The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds Wellness Center in Seminole.
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