ST. LOUIS — At least 500 households impacted by the recent flooding were helped Friday at the multi-agency resource center (MARC) inside Friendly Temple Church and more are hoping to receive assistance Saturday.
Friday’s MARC was the fourth one this week. Residents from University City, St. Charles and Ferguson were among those who came out to receive assistance. Another is taking place again Saturday at Friendly Temple Church from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
With hundreds of homes impacted by the recent flooding, Ferguson resident Linda Nichols said trying to get help has been difficult.
She showed up to Friendly Temple Church at 11 a.m. Friday, hoping to be one of the first ones assisted as she was turned away Thursday at Centennial Commons because of capacity.
The center opened at 2 p.m. and when she finally received a wait number, Nichols said she was 100th in line. By 3 p.m., she was still waiting to be helped and around 4 p.m., the center had reached capacity. Those waiting were notified.
Nichols’ home has flooded twice within the past two weeks. Water was inches high in her basement and living room. It destroyed clothes, shoes, food and supplies, as well as damaged furniture and picture frames.
Although she was still able to live in her home, Nichols has started to see mold and there is a smell in the basement. Nichols said she is hoping to get utility assistance and some laundry detergent.
MARCS are where flood victims can meet with organizations such as The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), among others, to provide them with information to get emergency financial assistance, insurance information, legal services and other disaster-related services.
On-site, flood victims also can get boxes of food, cases of bottled water, and clean up supplies.
The MARCS are being sponsored and coordinated by State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) staff, as well as nonprofit and faith-based partners, according to Caty Luebbert, public information officer director with SEMA.
The American Red Cross has a shelter open for displaced flood victims at the St. Vincent Community Center located 7335 St. Charles Rock Road. Since July 26, the shelter has provided more than 160 overnight stays.
On Thursday, more than 1,300 individuals were served at the MARC in University City and more than 800 individuals were served Tuesday in Wentzville, according to Luebbert. SEMA says more than 3,7000 people have been served by the centers so far this well.
More MARCS are being planned for next week with details to come.
A press release from Gov. Mike Parson’s office states that 1,338 homes have been assessed and more than 750 have sustained major damage. A total of 206 businesses have also been assessed and it was reported 131 have sustained major damage.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid $785,000 in claims for flooding losses in Missouri, according to the press release.
Friendly Temple Church is located at 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Another MARC is also taking place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at East St. Louis High School located at 4901 State Street.
Those with unmet needs can also contact the United Way by calling 211.