Friends,
We are witnessing the aftermath of devastating floods here in Nebraska, where 65 counties and 74 cities have declared a state of emergency — no doubt a climate change-fueled combination of a blizzard followed by rapidly melting snow and torrential rains. [1]
The storms have claimed several human lives, along with hundreds of thousands of ranchers’ animals’ lives. Many are now homeless, while thousands still remain stranded in their homes across rural towns and Native lands. Meanwhile, many farmers and ranchers now face questions of whether they will ever be able to recover, and maintain their livelihoods. [2]
While we claim to be #NebraskaStrong, we have seen and heard from many who are in desperate need of immediate assistance, and know that it will be a long and difficult recovery for many that will need help for many months to come.
We have also heard from many of you, asking us how you can help those affected by the floods.
Here are the best local, Tribal, state and national organizations where you can donate money or items, or volunteer your time to assist with recovery efforts if you’re able:
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Flood Relief 2019
Our neighbors the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska suffered severe damage and losses from the flooding. They are in need of local donations of water, and are also accepting monetary donations via PayPal or credit card via the “Donate” button link at the top of this page: https://www.poncatribe-ne.org/ponca-flood-2019
Pine Ridge Reservation Emergency Relief
The New York Times reported on the emergency on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where many Oglala Sioux Tribe members have been stranded for weeks on a reservation with impassable roads, where supplies are being delivered to some folks via horseback and canoe. Pine Ridge Reservation Emergency Relief is accepting monetary donations and has a volunteer sign-up form for recovery efforts: https://www.pineridgerelief.org
Hundreds of Santee Sioux members were evacuated during the flooding along the Niobrara River, which compromised the tribe’s water supply and damaged its water system. The Santee Sioux Nation Utilities Commission has set up an emergency fund via GoFundMe for “utilities, sewage waste system repairs, water line repairs.” Donations can be made here: https://www.gofundme.com/santee-sioux-nation-utilities?member=1882404
Farm Aid Family Farm Disaster Fund
Willie Nelson’s org has always stepped up to support farmers in times of crisis, and Farm Aid is offering emergency grants to farm and ranch families, and helping them understand farm recovery options, and deal with local and state agencies. Donate to the Farm Aid Family Farm Disaster Fund here: https://give.farmaid.org/give/54454/#!/donation/checkout
One of the most immediate resources that ranchers need after the floods destroyed so many resources is hay to feed their livestock — and generous donations from across the country are already being delivered by truck and even helicoptered into Nebraska. Farm Rescue helps coordinate hay hauling and feeding of livestock. Affected ranchers can apply here. Donate to Farm Rescue here: https://farmrescue.org/get_involved/donate/make-a-donation.html
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR RECOVERY:
- Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture – Blizzard/Flooding Resources: Includes drop-off sites for hay, fencing materials, and other donations, links to state flood recovery resources
- Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln – Flood Resources: Information on flood recovery, well water testing, and flooding’s affects on stored grain
- National Farmers Union – Farm Crisis Center: links to USDA disaster assistance programs, other national resources
- Nebraska Emergency Management Agency: more general information on shelters, flood recovery and safe home clean-ups
- Individual Disaster Assistance – DisasterAssistance.gov: Residents of Butler, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Nemaha, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington counties who have lost their homes may apply for Individual Disaster Assistance.
- Small Business Federal Disaster Loans – US SBA: Nebraska businesses may apply for low-interest federal disaster loans (deadline: May 20th) to repair damage to their businesses.
We appreciate all of you who reached out to us to ask how you can help, and all of the Nebraskans and others across the country who have already stepped up in ways big and small to help us recover from the recent floods.
We know that these same devastated areas are already predicted to experience “major” flooding during the 2019 season. [3] Anything you can do to help Nebraska recover, and prepare, is appreciated.
Thanks for standing with us.
Tom Genung and the Bold team
REFERENCES:
[1] “‘Just a terrible mess’ – Ranchers, farmers left with dead animals, flooded fields, work to be done,” Lincoln Journal Star, 3/25/19.
[2] “‘It’s probably over for us’: Record Floods Bring New Toll When Farmers Can Least Afford It,” The New York Times, 3/18/19.
[3] “NOAA warns of ‘unprecedented’ spring flood season that may become ‘more dire’ in coming weeks,” Washington Post, 3/21/19.
