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How the Money Is Distributed
Your donation is making a difference
For the latest update, please view the press release issued on July 29, 2008.
Thanks to the generosity of thousands of people in Minnesota, across the nation, and around the world, The Minnesota Helps- Bridge Disaster Fund™ has collected more than $1.2 million. These funds are being distributed to nonprofit organizations and agencies providing direct services and support to the survivors of the I-35W bridge collapse and their families.
To date, more than $1 million has been granted from the fund to help families cope with their immediate and short term needs. Donations have paid for rent, mortgages, utilities, food, transportation, car seats, grief and stress counseling and other expenses on behalf of many survivors. More money is being disbursed each and every week, as survivors submit their requests for funding through agencies that work with them to evaluate their needs and connect them to resources.
Grants to organizations providing services
Soon after the collapse, the first grants were distributed to six organizations that continue to provide grief support and mental health counseling, family services, crisis intervention, and clinical services to victims, emergency personnel, and survivors of those who lost their lives on the bridge.
View the full press release announcing the grants in September 2007.
Grants to provide support to individuals and families
As part of the response to the bridge collapse, a Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) was formed to coordinate aid to survivors. The Long Term Recovery Committee includes representatives from the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Hennepin County, Catholic Charities, and Pillsbury United Communities - Waite House.
These organizations have been continuously providing the survivors and families with immediate relief services. They have also sought to contact each individual and family on the bridge to evaluate and document their individual needs and refer them to agencies that could help.
Funding from Minnesota Helps™ is based on financial need. If support is needed the LTRC agencies apply for funds from Minnesota Helps, and then make payments to vendors on behalf of the survivors. This process does not duplicate efforts or other available relief funding and it targets support to those who need it most.
Many of the individuals and families have participated in the needs assessment process, and have worked or are currently working with LTRC coordinators. Some families require little or no assistance, either because they have received payment through insurance or other sources, or have no immediate needs. Others have received assistance and require no additional help. And some need continuing assistance in their recovery.
To apply for assistance:
For more information on how survivors and families can apply to fund eligible expenses, please view the Funding Requests page.
Individuals directly affected by the bridge collapse should contact the Greater Twin Cities United Way at 2-1-1 or (800) 543-7709 outside of the metro area.
page last updated 7/31/08
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