Nearly nine months after severe flooding devasted a number of communities in Northwest Iowa, many are still going through the recovery process including the city of Hawarden. A non-profit in Hawarden has been formed by community members to collect and distribute funds in an effort to aid in flood recovery and community needs.
The Hawarden United Foundation’s first goal is to rebuild the community following the 2024 flood. Hawarden United Foundation Board Member Michelle Klocke says that after the flood, it was apparent that a non-profit to aid in fundraising, and recovery efforts for Hawarden was needed:
She says initially their goal is to help with the recovery, that may take years:
The Foundation has been working alongside World Renew which has screened and identified homes that need assistance making repairs.
Hawarden United has received nearly $450,000 to date and distributed and allocated over half of that. Klocke says so far, they’ve been able to help homeowners with needed materials like sheet rock, and other building materials, to HVAC systems:
Anyone who is in need of additional assistance should contact the City of Hawarden.
Beyond the flood, Klocke says Hawarden United Foundation’s goal is to be able to contribute to community-based projects, opportunities and needs in Hawarden:
Hawarden United Foundation aims to assist the community as an entity that can receive tax deductible donations from corporate and individual donors. Conditional 501c3 status has been granted to the foundation pending final IRS approval. The foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of local community members and business leaders is not affiliated with the City of Hawarden.
For more information, or to donate visit hawardenunitedfoundation.com. Donations can also be dropped off in Hawarden at Rivers Edge or Peoples Bank. Hawarden United Foundation can also be found on Facebook.
