The flood of the Cedar River has caused widespread damage to downtown Cedar Rapids, the city's infrastructure, and thousands of homes. Oakland Church of the Nazarene is prayerfully considering how best to respond to this historic disaster, even while our people work to meet the needs of our neighbors.

More than a dozen Oakland families have been forced to evacuate their homes; many others are affected directly in other ways, and all of us will feel the effects of this flood for months to come. Please pray for wisdom, comfort, and rest for all those affected.

Financial assistance for Oakland families is being accepted now. We also recommend direct financial assistance to the American Red Cross; you may designate gifts for Iowa Disaster Relief.

Information for volunteers is available at the bottom of this page.

What's on this page:

Oakland Responds Update 7-6

The Oakland Youth Department has spent several days helping Oakland families clean their homes and begin the rebuilding process. In addition, several teams of adults have been working with Oakland families, and with others in the affected neighborhoods, to do the same.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries has provided a number of Crisis Care Kits with basic toiletries. The kits are available through the church office, or by contacting Angelica Vannatta at asvannatta@hotmail.com.

Nazarenes Across the Country Respond

Nazarene pastors and mental health professionals from across the country have responded to a request by Serve the City through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) headquarters in Kansas City. Local pastors will be receiving training from NCM trauma and disaster professionals this weekend (June 20-22), and a number of specialists in disaster-related pastoral care will be augmenting the efforts of local pastors from a variety of denominations.

NCM has also asked Nazarene churches across the country to provide "Flood Cleanup Kits" to be distributed to volunteers who will be entering homes and businesses in the flooded neighborhoods. To see what should be in the kits, check out this page.

Family Faith Night at the Kernels is Postponed

Unfortunately, Family Faith Night scheduled for June 25 at the Kernels has been postponed due to the flood.

Oakland Volunteer Response - Your Church Family Wants to be First For You

Angelica Vannatta and Brooke Siefer have agreed to help coordinate physical assistance for Oakland families affected by the flood. "Physical Assistance" means we will help move belongings, provide transportation, and help in whatever other ways we can. When the waters recede (and subject to city/police/insurance requirements) we will also assign teams to help rehabilitate homes. Our goal: to do what you want done, the way you want it done, so when we're done, you'll smile.

Those who need assistance and those who want to help are encouraged to fill out the following forms and either bring them to church Sunday morning or Sunday evening. You can also email them to either Angelica or Brooke.

Angelica Vannatta - asvannatta@hotmail.com
Brooke Siefer - basiefer@gmail.com

The Forms:

I Could Use Some Help - for those who need assistance.

I Can Give Some Help - for those who are willing and able to help.

We have set up a special fund for those who are able to contribute financially.

Citywide: Assistance is Available

In addition to Oakland Church, various government agencies, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army, Serve the City is coordinating physical assistance to those affected by the flood. Help is available to move belongings, fill or place sandbags, or meet other non-financial needs. Oakland is a member of Serve the City, a coalition of 37 churches and seven ministries in and around Cedar Rapids.

If you need help, call the Serve the City Hotline at 319-378-0337.

Citywide: Volunteers Needed

Serve the City has been tasked by the Linn County Emergency Management Agency with volunteer coordination. The people of Oakland Church and other Serve the City members are eager to help with flood recovery efforts.

Volunteers are encouraged to register with Serve the City so they can be deployed to the area of greatest need. Recovery from this flood will take a long time, and those who register will have an opportunity to specify when they are available over the coming weeks, and what their skills are.

Serve the City is also deploying volunteers throughout the Cedar Rapids area to meet immediate needs. Volunteers should report to the following coordination centers (click on the location for a google map):

East of the Cedar River:
Viola Gibson Elementary School, 6101 Gibson Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA (near Hiawatha)
Please use the main entrance, not the entrance to the Red Cross Shelter.

West of the Cedar River:
Prairie High School, 401 76th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Please use the main entrance, not the entrance to the Red Cross Shelter.

When internet service is available, updates are also posted on the Serve the City Flood Response website.

Citywide: Red Cross Volunteer Training Set

URGENT INFORMATION ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR THE RED CROSS – PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS NEEDED:

WHAT: Mandatory Volunteer Orientation for Serve the City Volunteers working with Red Cross
WHEN: 6pm Friday 13
WHERE: Red Cross Chapter on Rockwell Dr. NE (Behind Blairs Ferry Target Store)

Volunteers will be sent to Viola Gibson Shelter or Prairie HS Shelter

Age Requirements: Day Shifts – 16 Years or older Night Shifts – 18 years or older

Shifts available: 7am – 7pm or 7pm – 7am now until Sunday or until further notice.

Special needs: Mental health and/or medical workers

Jobs to be done:

“Mass care” – talking to people
Registration
Help with meals
Help with sleeping arrangements