As Indiana residents continue to recover from recent storms and power outages, organizations across Gary and the surrounding area are providing food, shelter and other resources to those impacted.
While power has been restored for over 340,000 residents, thousands of NIPSCO customers remained without electricity as of Saturday, two a weeks after strong storms battered northwest Indiana.
Chicagoans looking to help from afar can donate money and supplies or volunteer with organizations providing relief to residents.
Here are some organizations helping residents recover and how the public can support their efforts.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago are working to address resident needs, including food, clothing, housing assistance and other resources. Chicagoans who would like to donate to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary Storm Relief Fund can donate at givesmart.com/events/QeW/
Flourish Church and Flourish Community Hub
Flourish Church and Flourish Community Hub are seeking dry good donations and volunteers as they provide resources to residents affected by the storms.
Flourish plans to hold a Family Rest & Resource Sunday despite remaining without power.
Flourish Community Hub accepts one-time and monthly monetary donations and offers other ways to contribute, including donating time and skills.
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana announced on its Facebook page that the food bank itself had recently experienced significant internet issues for multiple days, preventing it from connecting with the community and agencies to gauge need.
The food bank is also seeking volunteers to help serve the community at mobile markets.
Those interested in donating to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana can do so by visiting the food bank’s website or contacting Natalie Krivas at 219-980-1777 and dial extension 315, or via email at nkrivas@foodbanknwi.org.
Gary Muslim Center
The Gary Muslim Center is raising money to provide emergency relief to families affected by the recent storms. As of Saturday evening, the fundraiser had collected more than $28,000 from 473 donations toward a $35,000 goal, up from the $25,000 goal that has now been surpassed.
The center said donations will help provide clean water, halal hot meals, gas cards, clothing, diapers, emergency housing and household items.
People who prefer to donate supplies can contribute through an Amazon wish list, according to the GoFundMe fundraiser.
Gary NAACP
The Gary Branch of the NAACP recently partnered with local organizations on storm-relief efforts and has used its social media pages to share resources.
People looking for additional opportunities to help can follow the Gary Branch of the NAACP’s website and social media pages, where the organization has been sharing storm recovery resources, community events and calls for donations and volunteers.
YWCA of Northwest Indiana
YWCA Northwest Indiana has offered free resources to residents affected by the outages, including hot meals and showers, and said the facility has access to power, according to a recent post from the organization.
People who want to donate can do so through YWCA Northwest Indiana’s website.