[Last updated: 7/28/15]
Bridges of Hope is helping to coordinate some of the relief efforts following the major storm that hit the Lakes Area on 7/12/15. We will be doing our best to keep this post updated regularly during the clean-up process.
Please call our office if you need help at 218.825.7682. We are a ‘small but mighty’ staff and will do our best to connect you with resources. Office hours are 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Thursday, and 8:00 am-2:00pm on Friday. Volunteer groups (for tree removal) are here through Friday, July 31 and currently have full assignments for the week. We can put your name on a waiting list but unfortunately cannot guarantee that we will find volunteers to assist you.
If you are able to help financially, you can make a donation to Bridges of Hope to help us serve our neighbors affected by the storm. The Initiative Foundation is matching all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000! This fund will help us in our efforts to coordinate the immediate needs, and will also enable us to assist with longer-term needs (rent & utilities assistance for those who missed work following the storm, for example). Click here to give now. Your gift is 100% tax-deductible. As of 2:25 PM on 7/28/15, donations have reached $5,739!
News About the Storm:
Dispatch article from 7/17/15: Some sections wind reached Category 2 hurricane force
Brainerd Dispatch main page (many storm-related stories updating regularly)
Dispatch article from 7/14/15: Nonprofits, Volunteers, Other Working Together
Someone to Talk To:
Volunteers (pastors, social workers, and others) are available if you need someone to talk to as you process through all that has happened (for your emotional/mental health). Call Bridges of Hope at 218.825.7682 to get that set up.
Volunteer Groups Offering/Seeking Help:
Volunteers are needed for debris haul-away (own hauling equipment needed). Call our office if you are able to assist with this (218.825.7682).
Burning Storm Debris & Burning Permits:
From the MN DNR Website: You need an open burning permit:
when the fire is more than 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter.
when the ground is not completely covered by a minimum of 3 inches of snow.
when the fire is not contained in either an approved burner or in a cooking or heating device such as charcoal grill or camp stove.
Check their website for details on where to obtain a burning permit.
Storm Debris Drop-Off Locations:
Crow Wing County Landfill: debris & branches are free; fee for stumps. Open 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Saturday, on 15732 Hwy 210. Extended hours for just tree & debris drop-off, 5:00-8:00 pm.
Baxter City Hall: for Baxter residents ONLY. Call 218.454.5100 for more information.
Cass County: approximately 1/4 mile south of County Roads 18 & 77; turn on the road for the Pine Beach Waste Water center. There is a sign posted that says “Residential Brush.” Approximate address: 11800 County Road 45, Brainerd, MN 56401. (Trees & brush only.)
Cass County: Knife River Gravel Pit, on the north side of County Road 15. (Address unknown.)
Other Information:
Many local businesses are still open; contact a local Chamber of Commerce for more information!
Brainerd Chamber: 800.450.2838
Nisswa Chamber: 218.963.2620
Cuyuna Lakes Chamber: 218.546.8131
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