"We're a onestop shop": OKC sets up two tornado outreach centers
Nov 07, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — There are now two tornado outreach centers set up in the hardest hit areas after Sunday morning's EF-3 tornados. Officials are hoping those impacted by the storms will find all their answers there.
"They really just don't know what their next steps are," said Audrea George with OKC Emergency Management.
"We're a one-stop shop," said Shameka Lee, with the City of OKC's Action Center.
The two outreach centers are set up at Harmony Christian Church, at 7100 S. Choctaw Rd. and Windwood Free Will Baptist Church at 5300 SE 89th. They are both open from 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Inside, residents will find the following services:
Fencing, demolition and building permits.
Contractor information.
Debris removal details and other information from Utilities.
OG&E information.
Oklahoma Insurance Department.
Consumer protection information from the Attorney General’s Office.
Oklahoma City-County Health Department.
Social Services.
"People to walk through your insurance claims," said Lee. "We even have trucks here to help with counseling and mental health assistance."
"With the teardown of the old house and the new house that they may or may not want to build a permit is going to be required," said George.
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department is also providing vaccines.
Jennifer Mancheva, who News 4 talked to earlier in the week after her home was destroyed, was there for a tetanus shot after cleaning up debris.
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"A tetanus shot is a very good idea if you're going to be out in this mess," said Mancheva.
Mancheva also took the opportunity to stock up on supplies.
"It's just like, now all of a sudden we need all the band-aids," said Mancheva.
Storm debris removal can be expensive, thousands of dollars. That's what Rey Garza found out after his home was damaged.
"One guy told me it would cost $10,000 to $15,000 to come remove it," said Garza.
Samaritan's Purse, funded by Billy Graham's organization, is also at Windwood Free Will Baptist Church. Volunteers asked if Garza needed help.
"They did it for free, it didn't cost me nothing. It's a blessing," said Garza.
"Most of what you see here was actually moved by hand yesterday," said Lou Anders, site leader of Samaritan's Purse. "A lot of back-breaking work."
They are always looking for more volunteers. If you'd like to volunteer, call 405-818-7614.
"We'll be here for several weeks and we'll be here until the job's done. So, as long as we have work orders, we stay," said Anders.
Two churches are now packed with help when Oklahomans need it the most.
"The army that came into this part of Oklahoma city and that are in there now cleaning," said Mancheva. "It's amazing."