Over a hundred flood relief volunteers and programs help clean-up Niles
Photo courtesy City of Niles NILES, Mich. – The community of Niles had nearly 150 volunteers to help with flood related clean-up efforts for homeowners and businesses on Saturday and Sunday.
The cleanup included filling 21 dumpsters with debris and destroyed personal belongings.
According to the city, each dumpster was 30 yards.
The Salvation Army provided nutrition and hydration stations for the volunteers, and the Southeastern Berrien County Landfill provided half priced dumpsters.
Other institutions that helped:
- Berrien County Emergency Operations Command
- Andrews University
- Niles New Tech
- United Way of Southwest Michigan
- Niles Daily Star
- City of Niles Street Department
- City of Niles Fire Department
- City of Niles Police Department
- City of Niles Dial-a-Ride Transportation
- City’s Parks and Recreation Board
- City’s Community Development Department
- Several local churches
According to officials in Niles, the volunteers helped over two dozen homeowners and several business owners’ clean-up damage from the flood.
Berrien County EOC will be working with the United Way and other programs to provide no cost aide to homeowners.
Officials say Team Rubicon will conduct damage assessments, debris removal, and muck out operations.
Team Rubicon is a disaster response organization that is veteran-led.
Additional aid for flood victims can be found at these organizations:
The Crisis Clean Up program will cut/remove drywall, flooring, furniture, appliances, and appliances free of cost, but be patient with service times considering the overwhelming need.
Residents can contact The Crisis Clean Up program at 800-451-1954.
To obtain a 12x8 storage shed to store personal items during repairs, call Fairland Christian Church at 269-683-8211.
Officials from Niles remind residents to call 211 if they have requests of items like cleaning supplies and relief kits.
Berrien County is asking residents to send in their damage reports by online submission, at the county’s website or the Sheriff’s Office website.