Update On United Way of Delaware Support for Sussex County Recovery

Delawareans Affected by the April 1 Tornado in Sussex County Face Ongoing Needs for Resources and Support as Recovery Continues

Wilmington, DE (April 13, 2023) – United Way of Delaware (UWDE), in collaboration with its partners, continues to support Delawareans affected by the April 1, 2023, tornado in Sussex County. Approximately 100 families are recovering from extensive damage to homes and properties because of the April 1 tornado. Our growing list of partner organizations includes the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD), First State Community Action Agency, Cornerstone Community Center, Milford Housing Development Corporation, the Town of Bridgeville, the Greenwood Fire Company, the Food Bank of Delaware and Delaware 211.

In addition to our partners helping out on the ground, we have received generous grant donations from three of our partners: a $25,000 grant from Discover Bank, a $10,000 grant from The Lions Clubs of Delaware, and a $5,000 grant from Delmarva Power. These grants will be used to support Sussex County recovery efforts; we extend our gratitude to Discover Bank, the Lions Clubs of Delaware, and Delmarva Power.

During this past week, UWDE staff, volunteers, and partners crisscrossed the affected areas to locate neighbors who still need assistance. Our teams are conducting aftermath assessments to determine ongoing needs, connecting neighbors with the appropriate resources, and if necessary, connecting them with Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) caseworkers. UWDE’s Sussex Lead, Sussex County resident Sarah Carter, said that it is sometimes difficult to contact families in the affected area. “Many homes are destroyed or remain unsafe, so the family members may be staying in hotels or with relatives. And often the people are away at work when we stop by during the day.” She urges anyone who needs assistance of any sort to call Delaware 2-1-1, and one of our 2-1-1 support team will help connect them to the needed resources.

UWDE and our partners are organizing volunteers to support relief efforts this weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 14, 15, and 16), weather permitting. Volunteers are needed to perform debris cleanup and hauling, as well as administrative support. Visit uwde.org/uvolunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to sign up. UWDE is also accepting donations to directly support tornado relief work, please visit https://uwde.org/sussex to learn more about how to help.

This will be an ongoing effort by UWDE and our partner agencies as we will continue to provide updates and connect the community with resources to assist Delawareans with their recovery.

To donate, visit: https://uwde.org/sussex.

To volunteer, visit: https://bit.ly/Care4Sussex.

About United Way of Delaware

Founded in 1946, United Way of Delaware (UWDE) works to advance the common good by focusing on four key areas: Early Education, Career and College Readiness, Financial Stability and Racial Justice and Social Equity. UWDE is engaged in a long-term strategy to eliminate the root causes of Delaware’s most pressing social problems in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. UWDE is also responsible for the United Way brand in Salem County, New Jersey.