Van Buren, Missouri Flood Recovery
Donation protected
Two weeks ago, my small town of Van Buren, MO population ~850, was overwhelmed with flood waters. The Current River unexpectedly crested at 37 feet, 8 feet above the record of 29 feet, set in 1904. Of the 188 houses that were flooded, 80 of them have been declared unsalvageable. The buildings that house 32 businesses were also affected.
Last weekend I cancelled a trip to Cincinnati to return home and help. Seeing the damage to houses first-hand was hard to see, but even that paled in comparison to the devastation to families and their livelihoods. People lost everything they had. Most people had no flood insurance because their houses were not in the flood plain.
I went to elemenary school in Van Buren, It's where my parents both worked their entire careers, dad for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and mom taught elementary school. It's where I spent every summer floating the Current River and eating at the Jolly Cone.
This community shaped much of who I am.
This GO FUND ME account will raise money to help with recovery efforts. I will match all money raised in teh first week 1:1 - dollar for dollar. My parents will see that it goes directly to the families in most dire need.
Last weekend I cancelled a trip to Cincinnati to return home and help. Seeing the damage to houses first-hand was hard to see, but even that paled in comparison to the devastation to families and their livelihoods. People lost everything they had. Most people had no flood insurance because their houses were not in the flood plain.
I went to elemenary school in Van Buren, It's where my parents both worked their entire careers, dad for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and mom taught elementary school. It's where I spent every summer floating the Current River and eating at the Jolly Cone.
This community shaped much of who I am.
This GO FUND ME account will raise money to help with recovery efforts. I will match all money raised in teh first week 1:1 - dollar for dollar. My parents will see that it goes directly to the families in most dire need.
Organizer
Tracey Outlaw
Organizer
Seattle, WA