Menasha – In the wake of the July 27 tornado that devastated parts of the Fox Valley, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region is moving into the second phase of its Community Response Fund. The fund, designed to help households rebuild and regain stability, provides tailored assistance based on each family’s unique circumstances.
How the assistance works
Lindsay Fenlon, vice president of Community Engagement for the foundation, explained that the program evaluates each applicant’s situation individually. “Every household’s situation is different, and assistance is tailored to each family’s needs,” Fenlon said during a recent interview with Focus Fox Valley.
Eligible families can apply for aid through two partner organizations: LEAVEN and People of Progression. Both groups distribute direct financial assistance and work closely with applicants to understand their specific needs, whether that means covering emergency repairs, replacing essential household items, or providing temporary living expenses.
Applying for help
To begin the process, residents should submit a tornado relief request on LEAVEN’s website. For those without reliable internet access or who need help completing the form, LEAVEN has set up a dedicated phone line—extension 2 of 920‑738‑9635—exclusively for tornado assistance. Walk‑ins are not accepted for this service.
People of Progression offers an in‑person option at its office located at 333 First Street, Suite A, in Menasha. Callers can reach the organization at 920‑815‑9487 or visit its website for additional details.
What families should know
Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation of tornado‑related damage, proof of residence, and any other information that helps the assistance teams assess need. The fund’s goal is to ensure that aid reaches those most affected as quickly as possible, without imposing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Both LEAVEN and People of Progression emphasize that the assistance is not a one‑size‑fits‑all program. “We work with each household to understand their individual circumstances and needs,” Fenlon reiterated, underscoring the community‑focused nature of the effort.
Listen to the full interview
For a deeper dive into eligibility criteria, the application process, and tips for a successful request, listeners can access the full interview on Focus Fox Valley’s website.
The Community Response Fund represents a collaborative, faith‑grounded response to a natural disaster that has tested the resilience of families across the Fox Valley. By pairing financial resources with personalized support, the initiative aims to restore stability and hope to those still rebuilding after the storm.
Original reporting: WHBY (Appleton) — read the source article.
