Following tornadoes that touched down in Kankakee County, the Emergency Response Fund of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties has been activated to support local recovery efforts. This fund, maintained through a partnership between the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley and United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties, allows our community to respond quickly when disasters strike. 

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GIVE via United Way OR GIVE via Community Foundation

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How Your Support Is Being Put To Work 

To date, the Emergency Response Fund has distributed grants to organizations providing critical services for tornado survivors: 

• $200,000 - Kankakee County Community Services, Inc. (KCCSI) to administer immediate recovery assistance programs, including: Short-term emergency housing for displaced families, deductible payment assistance, and auto repair help for uninsured or underinsured vehicle damage. Visit myunitedway.org/disasterhelp to download the application for assistance. 

• $3,500 - Grace Christian Academy for their services as a donation drop zone and meal site in Aroma Park following the storm. 

• $3,500 - Redeeming Life Church to support its ongoing work as a community resource distribution site, providing food and essential supplies to affected residents. 
   

Long Term Recovery - Individual Assistance Program 

The majority of remaining funds have been reserved for direct financial assistance to the nearly 200 private households that experienced the most significant damage from the tornado. These funds will be distributed through a process overseen by the Kankakee County Long Term Recovery Committee, operating under the leadership of the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). The committee brings together local nonprofits, government agencies, faith communities, and community partners to coordinate a fair, collaborative, and needs-based recovery process. 

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As applications are reviewed and cases are evaluated, financial assistance will be awarded to help families address unmet recovery needs that fall outside of insurance coverage and other available resources. 

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So far, over $436,000 has been donated through this fund

The generosity of 300+ individuals across 23 states, as well as businesses, foundations, and churches, has made this recovery effort possible. Over $170,000 was contributed thanks to a partnership with the local Storm to Strength initiative. Special thanks also to CSL Behring, Dow Chemical, Prime Healthcare, AHF Products, American Family Life, Meijer, Bourbonnais Township, Peoples Bank, Thrivent, Aqua, and the dozens of other organizations that supported this Fund in major ways. ​​​​​​​​​

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A Proven Model for Crisis Response

The Emergency Response Fund was originally created during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley and United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties.

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Between 2020 and 2021, the partnership raised more than $680,000, distributing seven rounds of relief funding to local nonprofits so they could continue serving families during the height of the crisis. ​The fund remained on standby for future disasters affecting our community — and was re-activated in response to March's tornado.​

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Need Help or Looking for Resources?

Visit our Disaster Help webpage: myunitedway.org/disasterhelp​