The Canada Day flood might have happened months ago, but the after effects still linger for many people within the city. Like since the moment it began, the Red Cross is still helping people in the city, and have recently relocated the Red Cross Recovery Centre to the Yorkton Fire Hall.
The Recovery Centre's purpose is to assess people's damage, to see if they have gaps between insurance and the provincial disaster assistance programs.
"This is a program to help everyone. Everyone is the key word. Sometimes people have insurance, so they don't think they'll go for help, but there's always a gap sometimes we're finding with the programs, and that's where the Red Cross steps in," says Michael Pasloski, Yorkton and Area Outreach Coordinator for the Canadian Red Cross.
While the initial damage might have been known, Pasloski notes that it's the things people are discovering later that are the main issues now. For instance, families might need winter clothes, something generally stored in the basement, and something that they don't realize they need until the weather starts to turn.
"As people start to move back into their homes, they realize they don't have many things, and it's just tough for them to assess that when they're away. As they go back to their homes, there are sometimes those gaps," Pasloski notes.
The emphasis is on helping people for as long as they need help, Pasloski emphasizes, and the Red Cross will be available for everyone in the area as long as they need to be.
"As long as there is a need in the community, the Recovery Centre is going to be functioning."
The Recovery Centre's hours will be Monday from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Tuesday to Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Also there to help will be the Recovery Assistance and Information line at 1-888-953-3463. Anyone affected can leave a message at any time, and a local Red Cross worker will return all calls and be able to provide information, and referrals. Appointments with a Recovery Case Worker can also be scheduled.
The services are there for everyone who needs them, Pasloski notes, and that it doesn't matter who they are or where they're from, the Red Cross will be there if they need the help.
"That's what the Red Cross is about, helping people. Now we're doing it in Yorkton," Pasloski concludes.
