Foundation’s flexible funds help flood survivors

Despite suffering flood damage at the Jackson Township trustee’s office, staff have quickly connected more than 100 Western Wayne households with storm aid.

Trustee Lyndon Wicker and retired Western Wayne Elementary teacher Stacey Bertsch, who joined the office in May as administrative assistant, have been meeting with applicants to distribute flood relief funds.

Jackson Township alone has distributed $78,750 in the past month in Wayne County Cares funding.

Many families have received the maximum $750 offered through Wayne County Foundation’s Wayne County Cares fund to cover substantial losses, such as water heaters and furnaces. Wayne County Cares funds are available to any flood survivor, regardless of their income, by applying to their township trustee.

Wicker said more residents are eligible than those who have applied for assistance, and he would like to see them reach out for this opportunity.

Recipients must have reported a measurable loss through Indiana’s 211 system or Wayne County Emergency Management Agency. Township staff will check the state’s list. They also need to provide photo identification and proof of residency at the appointment, which usually lasts 15-20 minutes.

Wicker said trustees normally can’t provide funds for home repairs, but WCF’s collaboration with township offices fortunately make that assistance possible.

“It’s been a blessing to be able to work with the foundation,” Wicker said.

While the $750 won’t make everything whole, Wicker said recipients have been grateful because it’s sometimes the first check they’ve received while insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency applications are being processed.

Some clients have been moved to tears while receiving that support, and Wicker and Bertsch also have had some teary eyes. The emotions that recipients frequently show remind them how hard those recipients’ experiences have been.

Bertsch said she never expected the town could experience so much damage so quickly, and described the flood as “incredible.”

American Red Cross and Cambridge City Christian Church’s disaster relief center have referred many clients to the trustee’s office.

“It’s been a high-traffic zone for a little while,” Wicker said.

Wicker said he’s very fortunate that Bertsch joined the office earlier this year and appreciates her flexibility in adapting to the added workload.

In addition to serving their typical caseload of clients seeking help with rent or utilities and more than 100 flood survivors, Jackson Township leaders have had to juggle sawing, hammering and other construction noises in the office. Between client meetings and working with contractors, Wicker said some days have lasted until 8 p.m.

Fortunately, nearly all repairs are complete at the office except a section of carpet that needs replacement.

The Jackson Township trustee’s office at 340 W. Main St. is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and Fridays by appointment.

Appointments are encouraged throughout the week when possible to help staff efficiently prepare for meetings and space out applicants’ visits to help provide anonymity.