Community organizations and businesses are thinking long term as recovery efforts continue after severe storms Aug. 11 in Northwest Indiana.
From a casino to community service organizations, funds are amassing to help this recovery and future disaster preparedness.
Many residents and businesses experienced prolonged power outages and significant damage to property after a derecho tore through the Region. Six tornadoes were recorded, including an EF-1 that started in Illinois and ended in Munster, and an EF-2 that started in Illinois and ended in Crown Point, according to the National Weather Service.
As of 11 a.m. Aug. 24, NIPSCO had restored power to 364,824 customers since the start of the storm. About 3,878 customers still were without power, according to NIPSCO's power outage website page. Power was expected to be restored by midnight in Munster and Lake Station, and by midnight Aug. 25 in Gary and Portage.
Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on Aug. 13, and is seeking a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump. The Indiana congressional delegation also sent a letter Aug. 20 to Trump reiterated the urgency of Braun's request.
The Legacy Foundation, the Crown Point Community Foundation and Porter County Community Foundation have partnered to align resources for this storm recovery effort and to plan for future emergencies.
The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation is supporting these efforts with a $1.5 million commitment for immediate needs. Each community foundation will received $500,000 to distribute to trusted nonprofit partners within their communities.
“The strength of this response is not any one organization. It is the caliber of the partners who have come together and the trust they have already earned across this Region. We are here to support their efforts,” said Bill Hanna, executive director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, in a press release. “Each organization brings a distinct capability, but they are working from one coordinated strategy: respond to families with urgency today while building the infrastructure and relationships that will make Northwest Indiana stronger tomorrow.
“If we do this well, we will not only help our communities recover now; we will establish a sustainable model that can shape the Region’s trajectory during future events.”
The Urban League of Northwest Indiana reported that Walmart was sending trucks of emergency supplies on Aug. 24, and Eli Lily representatives sent cleaning and hygiene supplies, along with charging stations.
“Our community has endured tremendous hardship, but we have not faced it alone,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen‑McCloud, president and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. “The support from our Urban League colleagues and partners across the country — along with Walmart’s incoming supply trucks — shows the power of collective compassion. As a united alliance, we are helping families regain stability and reminding Gary that we are stronger together.”
NIPSCO served lunch and dinner in Portage, Hammond, Merrillville, Highland, La Porte and Gary last week. Various organizations offered cooling centers around the Region.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana made two donations, one to the City of Gary for $100,000 and another to the Calumet Township trustee office for another $100,000.
“The true strength of a community is revealed during challenging times,” said Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, in a press release. “As Calumet Township residents continue to face the impacts of the recent storms, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support the Calumet Township Trustee’s Office and their efforts to help residents recover, rebuild and move forward.”
The Chicago Bears also are donating $100,000 to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary to help the communities affected by the storms. NBA legend Glenn Robinson donated $100,000, too.
“I know these have been difficult and uncertain days for many across our city, and I want you to know that you are not facing this alone,” said Mayor Eddie Melton in a Aug. 18 press release. “The City of Gary is here, and we are working every day to respond to the damage, connect residents with the resources they need, and help our community recover.”
Gary Community School Corp. postponed the start of classes until Aug. 24.
The Town of Munster held an emergency meeting Aug. 20 to consider contracts for debris monitoring and debris hauling, which totaled $1.25 million.
Braun has called for an investigation of NIPSCO‘s response to the storm, which resulted in widespread and prolonged power outages.
The storms came just two months after an EF-2 tornado tore through Merrillville and other outlying communities during storms June 11.
Nonprofits in Porter County can apply for disaster relief grants here. In Lake County, nonprofits can apply here.
If your business or organization contributed time or money to the storm recovery efforts in Northwest Indiana, email news@nwindianabusiness.com for possible inclusion in an upcoming story.
