Flood Assistance

LOCAL199 FLOODED!

Sisters and Brothers,

The recent flooding in Iowa has been a tremendously trying time for our SEIU Local 199 family. We know of at least fifty members who have had their homes ravaged or destroyed by this natural disaster, the full effects of which are just coming to be known now. Our hearts go out to them. Please know that we are in the process of assessing how many others might have suffered losses as a result of these floods, so that we can reach out to them as well.

We have created web pages (click link below) with information to help those dealing with the results of the flood as they begin to rebuild their lives. Additionally, when we become aware of volunteer opportunities in our communities, we will pass that along to you as well.

» Read more

SEIU LOCAL 199 GETS NEW OFFICES

BEFORE

The demolished dialer room of SEIU Local 199 just
after the June floods.

SEIU Local 199 staff members as well as Iowa For Health Care staffers worked fast and furiously to save as much as they could in mid-June as it became clear that the union hall was right in the path of the cresting Iowa River and Clear Creek. Trucks and cars full of critical files, furniture and techology took these items to various locations, including storage lockers and the new SEIU Local 199 Government Affairs office on the eastside of Iowa City. The rest was put five- to six-feet off the ground on shelves and tables.

Unfortunately the office sat in seven feet of water for the better part of week. As you can imagine, nothing was salvageable.

As a result, our offices essentially had to be rebuilt from the ground up. We had to repair our phones, information technology infrastructure, as well as replace desks and office supplies. Meanwhile, the sta

AFTER

Cathy Glasson, President, chats with
Organizer Bradley Van Waus (not pictured)
in the new SEIU Local 199 Union Hall.

ff had to continue doing its day-to-day work with our members. It was a struggle, but we did it. “I was extremely impressed with their ability to deal with the challenges,” said Staff Director Jim Jacobson. “I am happy to report that we are up and running in our new home. We’re still finding things we need, but overall I think we are going to be ok,” said Jim. “If folks haven’t seen our new location at 415 10th Avenue in Coralville, I urge them to come by and say hello,” he added.

Terri Mengler’s Story (in her own words):

I have been an SEIU member since the union organized at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics ten years ago. I am an 18-year employee in the Respiratory Care Department.

I was devastated by the flood of 2008 that hit Czech Village in Cedar Rapids the week of June 10.

» Read Terri's story

Flood Clearinghouse

Information on the Eastern Iowa floods, including economic assistance, emergency services, and assistance for physical and mental well-being.

» Get the Resources You Need

Tax Advice and Assistance

If you have been affected by the flood, then this link will provide you guidance in obtaining tax relief for your disaster casualty losses. Although the link here is general to all types of disasters, we will be looking for IRS provisions specific to the flooding in the days ahead.

» Get Tax Assistance

Housing and Personal Property Assistance

Housing assistance, such as temporary housing, repair, replacement, permanent housing construction and other assistance.

» Get Housing Assistance

Veterans Assistance

Information on assistance for veterans

» Veterens Help

THE AFTERMATH OF THE FLOODS OF 2008

“ I’ve lost everything. Right now I’m living in a tent in my cousin’s yard.”

— Rob Kleppe, SEIU Member and Cedar Rapids School District Custodian

“I’m staying with my mother in her one-bedroom apartment with my three kids, my husband, and two cats. The hardest part is trying to explain to the kids why they can’t sleep in their own beds.”

— Tammy Clark, SEIU Member and Head Start Teacher Assistant

» Read more

Post Flood Health Tips

The Iowa Department of Public Health provides extensive information concerning clean-up after flood water recedes. Please observe great caution with flood damaged materials during your clean-up efforts.

Flood Bulletin Board

For information and updates concerning the flooding and its aftermath follow the link here to our bulletin board.

SEIU Local 199 Flood Damage

View pictures of damage at the locals office at 102 2nd Ave in Coralville, Iowa here.