Disaster volunteers

Help Still Needed: Volunteers Essential to Ongoing Storm Recovery

State celebrates those who stepped up to help, urges more to join Northern Michigan storm recovery efforts

As spring turns to summer, the March ice storms in northern Michigan may feel like a distant memory—but for many still recovering, the need for tree-cutting and removal and debris clean-up remains real. Volunteers have been essential to disaster recovery efforts, and continued support is critical to help affected communities fully rebuild. More volunteers are urgently needed to carry this work forward and ensure no one is left behind.

Since the storms hit in late March, more than 1,200 residents requested recovery assistance and the Michigan Community Serving Commission (MCSC), in collaboration with Michigan Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) and 211, have been supporting residents in the impacted areas.

Through these coordinated volunteer efforts, MCSC staff members have been calling residents to better understand their current needs and where volunteerscan make the most impact there have been extraordinary stories of how groups have chosen to help people get back on their feet despite challenging circumstances.  

In one case, a family with children had to flee their home because of a downed powerline on their property. In their haste, they had to leave their three dogs behind and then were not able to return for three days. The dogs, in a scared state from the storm, destroyed the entire home, including furniture, beds, household belongings and even the broomstick. The family was devastated, as trees and debris still needed to be cleanup outside, and the damage from their pets, made it impossible for them to return to their home. 

Melissa Sherry, Volunteer Impact Coordinator, for the MCSC, reached out to a Michigan VOAD partner and disaster recovery specialist group that often helps with complex cases. After the Storm Executive Director Nancy Money offered a “House In A Box” kit that provide new mattresses, furniture and necessary household items.   

“The homeowner was in tears and said she couldn’t believe anyone would help her and her children,” Sherry said. “She shared that it was her youngest child’s birthday the following week and was excited they could return to their home to celebrate her special day.”   

Other families have encountered prolonged periods without power and lost valuable food resources in freezers. 

The storm caused downed trees that blocked an accessibility ramp for an elderly couple with physical challenges.  Through the years, the couple had given food they grew to the local food pantry and recently they had donated an entire processed pig. Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization specializing in disaster response, stepped up to help the couple by clearing a path allowing them to get out of their home. 

“The homeowners are incredibly grateful for the help, even though they would rather be the ones helping others,” Sherry said.

An Oscoda man with physical challenges received some help with debris on his property when the Michigan Community Service calling team discovered he had been without running water for months. Sherry contacted Habitat for Humanity, and they offered him help. 

“He was thrilled and couldn’t believe we never forgot about him,” said MCSC Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “As we reach out and connect with the residents in need, our team has been inspired by people’s resilience and grace.”

The MCSC will continue to follow-up with residents requesting help and provide assistance when available. 

"It's been really tough not having the resources to take care of this ourselves. We are older and could really use the support. I'm so thankful that you're reaching out to check,” said one homeowner. “It's so nice to know that people care and are looking out for one another.” 

There have been numerous organizations that have stepped in to aid residents:  

• Salvation Army (food when shelters were open) 
• American Red Cross (shelters)
• Southern Baptist – chain saw and clean up
• Mennonites and Amish – chain saw and clean up
• Team Rubicon – chain saw and clean up
• World Renew – chain saw clean up, Christian Relief – chain saw and tree work 
• Lutheran Services – shelter help and connecting with volunteers
• Numerous local nonprofits have stepped up to assist including Otsego County United Way, Habitat for Humanity and many additional churches.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up for opportunities on the Volunteer Michigan website.