By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
As recovery efforts continue following the devastating Four County Wildfire on Dec. 15, the Heartland Community Foundation has set up new special emergency funds for Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties.
“Having some special emergency fund was something that was on my to do list, it just hadn't happened yet,” said Heartland Community Foundation executive director Sarah Meitner. “And when we had the fires go through the area and the windstorm in the middle of December, it sort of expedited the process.”
With each fund, donations will stay in the counties in which they are made.
“We did this on purpose because, you know, there might be an emergency situation that affects one county, but not the others,” Meitner said.
She said the funds are also set up in order to give anyone interested in donating a way to ensure the donation will be used in the most efficient way.
“When they don't know where to take that money, or they don't know how their $50 or $100 will really make an impact, this is a way to combine it with the other donations of other individuals and know that it will be designated to go directly to those who are helping aid in the in the relief,” Meitner said.
While the funds are new, Meitner said they were set up in a way that allows for immediate access.
“Heartland put $10,000 into each account to establish it,” she said. “So we put $30,000 in, which basically means that every dollar that comes in can be granted out.”
In the future, Meitner said the goal is to turn the accounts into endowed funds that can be used for emergency situation in perpetuity.
“It was my thinking that if there's an emergency, there's going to be some time before insurance money comes in or before the state or federal aid comes in, or in this case, there's not even federal aid coming in,” Meitner said. “So, we want to be able to close that gap and provide money immediately to those impacted.”
The funds, she said, are indicative of the way Kansans come together during a crisis.
“They've been doing very well,” Meitner said. “So far, we have over $50,000, among the three."
Now she hopes to move those funds to those in need.
“I'm still just encouraging people, agencies to apply,” Meitner said. “The application is on our website at HeartlandCommunityfoundation.org.”
As a part of the regulations that guide foundation operations, individuals interested in receiving funds must partner with an agency or nonprofit.
“But we do want to help individual families,” Meitner said. “So, we're encouraging them to partner with a church or a 4-H club or a Boy Scout troop to apply on their behalf. ... But really, the funds are completely unrestricted, other than they need to be given in the county that they were raised in.”
For those unsure of what agencies are available to assist individual needs, she said the foundation is happy to help.
With the Dec. 15 relief, she said many of the dollars granted will cover non-insured expenses.
“It's going to be a lot in fencing, maybe livestock-related expenses. You know, the Red Cross has been in the area but is limited to only helping peoples' needs,” Meitner said.
And she hopes those that are in need are willing to reach out.
“I think that there's a lot of pride among maybe some of the people who are impacted, that they don't want to ask for help,” Meitner said. “Or maybe they haven't had been in the position of asking for help before. And that's a little bit hard to do. So, what I've been saying is that this isn't a handout, it's just your turn. And when times are better, and you're back on your feet, then you can give back to this fund if you'd like or any charitable cause. But when it's your turn, it's your turn. And there's no shame in asking for help.”
For more information visit the Heartland Community Foundation website, heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.