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Help available for people in Portland

Posted at 8:43 PM, Feb 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-08 23:15:57-05

PORTLAND, Mich. — This week has been rough for Portland residents.

Flooding and sewage have been wreaking havoc on homes and businesses in the area.

The Portland Community Fund Association has finalized a disaster relief grant application to help those affected by the natural disaster.

The money a resident could get may be able to give some relief if they've been affected by the flooding.

The grants are possible because of the quick actions taken this time after learning from past disasters.

"We'll get there. We've put our town back together one time before; we can do it again," said Evelyn Walkington-Jensen, vice president of the Portland Community Fund Association.

Walkington-Jensen is referring to the tornado that tore through the city in 2015, leaving extensive damage to buildings, including churches.

She said she was able to get the ball rolling quicker this time around.

"I know there's a lot going on. This is something our whole community can contribute back to the people that really need desperate help," Walkington-Jensen said.

People affected by the flooding can get up to $500 from the fund.

Walkington-Jensen and the co-treasurer passed out the application letters to businesses on Kent Street and contacted the American Red Cross to let people know where to get those applications.

"Everybody seems to be on top of it; other businesses outside of town that are helping house emergency vehicles. Portland, we're a hometown, but people know about us; they care," she said.

The application is available at Portland City Hall, and the last day to turn them in is Feb. 22.