More than 1,500 Milwaukeeans arrive for free cleanup flood relief kits from the Salvation Army

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been nearly two weeks since the devastating floods damaged many homes and businesses across southeastern Wisconsin. In Milwaukee, many residents are still dealing with the aftermath – but there is help. 

Cars were wrapped around the neighborhood on Villard Ave. in Milwaukee as each person inside every vehicle was in line for the same thing. 

“We were a little surprised by that. We thought we’d get a few individuals, but they just keep coming,” said Shanell Johnson, with the Salvation Army. “As people see and realize this is a place to get help and get assistance, more people keep coming.”

Shirley Adams is just one of the many Milwaukeeans whose home was damaged following heavy rainfall and flooding. 

“It was coming up our steps to the living room,” said Adams. 

While she’s done what she can to sanitize her home, Adams was at the Salvation Army to pick up one of their free cleanup kits. 

“I think that’s a blessing. Yeah, that’s really a blessing because it takes a lot of get that smell out of your home,” said Adams. 

The Salvation Army estimates that more than 1,500 residents have come to pick up rags, scrub brushes, face masks, and disinfectants. 

“Yesterday I first came through. Tried to come through the drive through the drive through. They closed. Then, second attempt, I waited in line. I walked through. It was too late,” said Jim Carter, a Milwaukee resident. 

It's a small service the Salvation Army says, that could have a great impact on the health of the city’s residents. 

“To help people have some sense of normal outside of this disaster,” said Johnson. 

Another cleanup kit drive will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.