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Red Cross gives help in high water

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Flooding photos

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JANESVILLE — A large placard welcomed those in need.

“RED CROSS SHELTER.”

Flood victims still wondering if they were at the right place were reassured with two more signs: “AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER RELIEF,” placed on each side of the double doors at the main entrance to St. John Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Drive.

Just inside, a volunteer greets them before they register and get connected with a caseworker.

Since last Thursday, when the shelter opened, it has become home to five or so local residents who have been displaced from their houses due to the raging floodwaters of the Rock River.

An elderly couple and a family—a mom and two boys—have been among the shelter users.

“It runs the gamut from single to working people,’’ said Laurie VanderJagt, public affairs volunteer for the South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Those staying at the shelter are asked to respect quiet hours, control children, keep their area clean, smoke only in designated areas, help keep the shelter clean, sign in when leaving and entering and to keep food and beverages in designated areas.

Three people came to the shelter initially. Only two were there Monday when talk began of closing the shelter, VanderJagt said.

But then word came Tuesday morning from a social worker in the Newville area that more flood victims couldn’t find a place to stay. A family from Newville showed up Tuesday night but preferred to find another place to sleep for greater privacy and return to the shelter for meals. Two people had signed in and out of the shelter Wednesday.

So the shelter, which can accommodate 40 people, will remain open as long as there is a need, VanderJagt said

“We will get more direction from regional as to the shelter status (open/closed) as the day progresses and are currently doing more feeding than sheltering,’’ she said.

Food—three meals a day plus snacks and beverages—is brought to the shelter, and most of it has been donated by local businesses. On Wednesday, AARP Wisconsin sponsored the delivery of 150 prepared lunches to the shelter.

So in addition to shelter residents, the Red Cross is sending food and water over to the large group of people in the Newville area filling sandbags, trying to save some of the housing there.

“At times, there are nearly 200 people there,’’ VanderJagt said.

A nursing staff also is available to address needs of those with health concerns, and mental health services also are provided when necessary.

VanderJagt is concerned some displaced people don’t know the shelter exists.

“We got a report of somebody who found a lady sleeping on a bench who didn’t know the shelter was open,’’ she said.

Those in need of shelter should arrive with proof of residence and medication.

“Purse and pills,’’ VanderJagt said.

FOR HELP

Call the South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross office at (608) 754-4497.