Need help removing storm debris? Some Independence residents have new option
A new initiative launched in Independence this week to help residents recover from major weather incidents like the two confirmed tornadoes that tore through the metro Tuesday.
The Vulnerable Neighbor Assistance Program, originally set to launch July 1, is part of Independence’s new Community and Emergency Services Department, and aims to expand the city’s volunteer base.
Tuesday’s storms, including a confirmed tornado in Independence and another in Kansas City, caused the city to bump up the start of the initiative almost a month earlier than anticipated.
“Our goal is that we will have individuals that have the resources, whether that’s a truck, a trailer, chainsaws, ladders, things like that, that are able-bodied, volunteer that we will be able to then partner up with individuals within our community that are more vulnerable,” said Samantha Morris, the city’s Chief of Emergency Operations.
“So whether that be there’s a financial constraint there or they are unable to get out and cut trees down and climb ladders and things like that, these two would be partnered together, and we would be able to, you know, assist,” she said.
Independence saw an excess of tree and bush damage as a result of Tuesday’s storms, including downed trees that fell on homes and blocked roads. The city also suffered from power outages and downed power lines.
Most areas endured minimal damage, according to Morris, but some areas did receive damage that was substantial.
The city often gets calls from residents looking for assistance after major weather events like severe storms or snow, Morris said. Often, it is those who are physically or financially unable to deal with removal asking what their options are.
“This is an opportunity for us to be able, you know, to give back, if you will, and ensure that our citizens are taken care of. Independence is ... a population of 130,000 individuals, but we still are a very strong and tight-knit community, and it’s important for us to connect, you know, citizens to individuals that are willing and wanting to help,” she said.
While there may be eligibility criteria to use the assistance program, Morris says those conversations are ongoing. Because the program is rolling out early, the city may use minimum requirements found in other city services, such as the utility assistance program, to determine if a resident in need of assistance is eligible for the service.
“It’s a unique situation where each and every person is going to, you know, almost need to be interviewed to determine what is the need and why is the need there, and then partner them up with, with the right individuals,” Morris said.
However, the city is primarily focused on finding volunteers for the program to help clean up recent storm damage. Morris says there’s a need for assistance, but not enough people to facilitate it.
“We need individuals that are willing to be volunteers and help out, to reach out let us know what they have. What equipment do they have? What are they willing to do to ensure that, you know, we can get the right people connected, because right now, we have the need, but we don’t have the volunteers,” said Morris.
Residents in need of assistance or interested in volunteering can fill out the Vulnerable Neighbor Assistance form here. For those who need to dispose of storm debris, the city will offer two Drop-Off Depots, one from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 11 and another on June 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
