West Allis leaders create nonprofit to help provide local flood relief

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Weeks after devastating floods destroyed communities in southeastern Wisconsin, in West Allis, community members are stepping up and supporting one another by creating a local nonprofit.

Community members and businesses in West Allis can donate money, and that money will be redistributed to help those who have submitted information about the damage their homes have faced.

Carrie Garland’s grandparents built their home in West Allis more than 75 years ago.

“Four generations have been in this house,” said Garland.

Now, Garland’s not sure if she will be able to keep her family home.

“It was scary,” said Garland. “Everything was floating. It was crazy.”

She’s just one of many people whose home was destroyed during heavy rain and flooding last month.

“We started pumping water out of the basement. It was 100%. We had probably a foot on our main level,” said Garland.

Garland lost nearly everything.

“We’ve lost, basically all of our furniture. All of the items we used our basement for storage. That’s all gone,” said Garland.

That's why community leaders in West Allis say they hope to provide some relief.

“It’s just heartbreaking to look at everything folks have been experiencing,” said Suzanne Signh, the city’s community engagement manager.

The Community Impact Partnership and Foundation was a nonprofit designed to help fund improvements around the City of West Allis.

“It’s completely shifted,” said Singh.

Now, local businesses and people can donate money to help those affected by the floods.

“Find an avenue to help their neighbors directly,” said City of West Allis Mayor Dan Devine.

The nonprofit will plan how to distribute funds they have in the coming days. Garland says every little thing helps right now.

“I mean, we had like nothing. We’re just taking it step at a time,” said Garland.

City leaders say those interested in donating can do so through a link on the City of West Allis website.