When a tornado swept through their hometown of Minden, Iowa, on April 26, Andrew and Terri Jo Runge were camping at a cabin about 20 miles away. When they returned home, there was no home. “Pretty much all that was left was the concrete slab,” Andrew said. They extended their stay at the campground cabin until they could figure out where to go next.
On Saturday, May 4, the Runges were at the Minden United Church of Christ where a Multi-Agency Resources Center (MARC) was open. A MARC features several organizations and resources—around 20 were at this one—in one place to assist those affected by a disaster. Andrew and Terri Jo met with Red Cross volunteers to get assistance with replacing medications and eyeglasses. Volunteers also helped identify the couple’s needs for the weeks and months ahead and will continue to work with them as they navigate through their recovery.
Earlier in the week, while the Runges were picking through the rubble of their home, Red Cross volunteers stopped by with relief supplies, snacks and water. “It’s been challenging, but each time we see the Red Cross, we know we have people who are there to help,” Andrew said. “It would be a lot harder without help.”
The MARC in Minden, hosted by Pottawattamie County Emergency Management will be open again on Sunday, May 5, from 1-4 p.m. Several agencies with a wide variety of services to offer will be present and able to help anyone affected by the storm.