DISaSTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY
Supporting our communities before, during, and after disasters.
Whether our communities are facing wildfires, flooding, severe storms, or another disaster, Head of the Lakes United Way is committed to helping our neighbors recover. We work alongside emergency management, nonprofit partners, government agencies, and community organizations to connect those impacted the most with resources while coordinating financial support when disaster relief funds are available.
When disaster strikes, this page will be updated with the latest information about available assistance, ways to give, volunteer opportunities, and community resources.
CURRENT DISASTER RESPONSE
Boundary Waters Wildfires
When the Boundary Waters closed, the impact reached far beyond the wilderness.
For our communities, summer is more than a season, it’s a critical part of the year for small businesses, employees, families, and communities that depend on visitors to make ends meet. The historic closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness following the wildfires has left many of our local businesses and residents facing an unexpected financial setback. Behind every closed campground, canceled reservation, and quiet storefront is a person or family wondering what comes next.
We can help them get through it; but we need your help. Your donation to the Disaster Relief Fund will help provide financial assistance to individuals and small businesses, which are most significantly affected by the wildfires and Boundary Waters closures. Together we can help our neighbors keep their doors open, make ends meet, and begin to recover. Every donation matters. Whether you give $10, $50, $100, or whatever you can, your generosity will help bring relief to people in our communities when they need it most.
United, we can make sure our neighbors don’t face this challenge alone. Give today and help strengthen our communities.
Stewart Trail Wildfire
If you were impacted by the Lake County wildfires, we encourage you to apply for assistance through the Disaster Relief Fund. Thanks to the generosity of our community, funding is available to help individuals and families recover from the impacts of these fires.
Applications submitted will be reviewed on a rolling basis as funding remains available.
If you have questions while completing the application, please contact:
HLUW Community Impact Director Jaci Christiansen at jchristiansen@hlunitedway.org or 218-726-4889.
DONATE TO DISASTER RELIEF
When disasters occur within our service area, Head of the Lakes United Way may activate a Disaster Relief Fund.
Donations support relief and recovery efforts based on the greatest community needs. Depending on the disaster, funds may be used to:
- Provide emergency assistance to individuals and families
- Support nonprofit organizations responding to the disaster
- Assist small businesses that are vital to community recovery
- Address unmet needs identified through local recovery partners
- Strengthen long-term community resilience
Every disaster is different, and funding priorities are determined in collaboration with local partners to ensure resources have the greatest possible impact.
OUR APPROACH
Rather than responding only after disaster strikes, Head of the Lakes United Way works with partners across our region to support communities through every stage of recovery.
Our role may include:
- Coordinating community resources
- Administering disaster relief funds
- Supporting individuals and families with emergency assistance
- Assisting nonprofits and small businesses when appropriate
- Connecting residents with trusted service providers
- Collaborating with emergency management, government agencies, and community organizations
- Identifying and addressing unmet community needs throughout the recovery process
IF YOU NEED HELP
When disasters impact our region, Head of the Lakes United Way may provide financial assistance or connect community members with available resources.
Depending on the disaster and available funding, assistance may be available for:
- Individuals and families
- Nonprofit organizations
- Small businesses
- Community recovery efforts
Assistance programs vary based on the specific disaster, community needs, and available funding.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- American Red Cross – 1.800.733.2767
- Can help with a variety of needs.
- Call to share your circumstances and see how they can help!
- Emergency Housing
- For help with housing or any other resources call 211.
- Dial: 211 or 800.553-7709 or (651)791.0211
- For other resources through 211 visit HERE.
- For help with housing or any other resources call 211.
- Justice North – 1.877.696.6529
- Can help with a variety of legal matters including replacing lost and damaged documents, proof of home ownership, insurance claims and denials, contractor repair scams, lease termination, eviction prevention, access to government benefits, employment issues, emergency custody, protective orders, and more.
- Services are free for eligible individuals.
- Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
- See below for examples of resources offered by Justice North
- For additional resources in St. Louis County, please visit United Way of Northeastern Minnesota’s website HERE.
