DISCOVER DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES

Many Arkansans’ lives were turned upside down when the EF-3 tornado struck the Little Rock metro area on March 31, 2023. While coping with such a disaster is never easy, the federal government and the state of Arkansas have put together a host of resources for people affected by the storm.

First, an excellent place to start picking up the pieces of such a traumatic event is to contact the Red Cross. The Red Cross has programs in place to help victims of disasters get in touch with loved ones who are missing following a disaster and cope with things like the mental toll such an event can have on the psychological well-being of victims following a disaster.

In addition, the Red Cross has a comprehensive website with a wealth of information about moving forward after disaster strikes. More information about how the Red Cross can assist can be found at https://www.redcross. org/get-help/disaster-relief-andrecovery-services.html.

Arkansas has also set up a website with linked resources at https://governor.arkansas.gov/ help-arkansas/. This website links to federal and state resources, long-term and short-term housing, shelters and meals, and many other services available to those in need.

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up disaster recovery centers in central Arkansas for those needing assistance. These centers can benefit those with limited internet access and don’t know what to do. FEMA Centers are at the following locations:

Little Rock (Open 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sunday) West Central Community Center

8616 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72204

North Little Rock (Open 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sunday)

North Little Rock Community Center

2700 Willow Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114

Wynne (Open 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sunday)

Ridgeview Baptist Church 999 US Highway 64, Wynne, AR 72396

Jacksonville (Open 8:00 a.m.6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sunday) 1st United Methodist Church

308 W Main Street, Jacksonville, AR 72076

Sherwood (Open 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday) Wildwood Center & Medical Tower

2402 Wildwood Avenue, Sherwood, AR 72120

Additionally, FEMA assists individuals whose homes were destroyed or are otherwise uninhabitable. For FEMA disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-3362.

Shelters for those affected by the storm are set up at the following locations:

The State of Arkansas is partnering with the Red Cross to offer temporary housing to tornado victims. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS for more information.

The Arkansas REALTORS Association provides up to $1 million in grants to help those affected by the March 31 tornadoes through the REALTORS Relief Fund. In addition, individuals can apply for up to $2,000 in quick turnaround funds to offset recovery costs, including house payments, rent, or hotel rooms

Little Rock:

Red Cross/Calvary Baptist Church: 5700 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, 72207

Hall High School: 6700 H St, Little Rock, AR 72205

North Little Rock:

The Community Center: 2700 Willow St, North Little Rock, 72114

Jacksonville: First Baptist Church: 401 N 1st St, Jacksonville, 72076

Wynne:

Wynne Baptist Church: 1200 E Bridges Ave, Wynne, 72396

Harmony Health Clinic: 1920 Falls Blvd, Wynne, 72396

Red Cross/Wynne Assembly of God Church, 1900 North Killough Rd, Wynne 72396

U-Haul Disaster Relief Program is offering 30 days of free selfstorage for residents impacted by the storm:

U-Haul Moving & Storage at 65th St. and Geyer Springs

6501 Geyer Springs Road, Little Rock, AR 72209

(501) 569-5021

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Baseline Road

5518 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209

(501) 569-5026

U-Haul Moving & Storage at

Colonel Glenn

6300 Colonel Glenn, Little Rock, AR 72204

Meals are also being provided by the following organizations/at the following locations:

Central Arkansas:

Mercy Chefs (757) 292-4264

New Life Church – Greater Little Rock, 8000 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock, AR 72118

Wolf Street Center

1015 Louisiana St, Little Rock, AR 72202

TAG Church (11120 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72213) serves free lunches “drive-thru style” from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday –Thursday, April 3-6. Lunches can also be delivered to groups by contacting the church office at 501224-7329

City of Wynne Hot Food Locations:

ODell McCallum Center – 325 Magnolia St, Wynne, AR 72396 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Grants Snack Shack – Union Valley Missionary Baptist Church, 703 F St., Wynne, AR 72396

Wynne Junior High Emergency managers and volunteers will give out hot meals at Wynne Junior High (849 Elridge Avenue) from 5:00 p.m. on April 1 until 7:00 p.m.

First Assembly of God Church (Red Cross locations)

1900 North Killough Road

Odell McCallum Center

325 Walnut Avenue

Food, water, general support

Operation BBQ Relief

Dixie Furniture parking lot on 1512 Falls Boulevard

Food and showers

This location indefinitely, according to the city McDonald’s offers hot meals: Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance due to the devastation of this storm, please pass this information along.

BY JESSE CAIN