When Disaster Strikes, 2-1-1 Answers the Call
Deanna Mey was sitting down to watch the evening news when the lights began to flicker. At first she didn’t think much of it: That happens now and then at her house off 6 Mile Road near Comstock Park. Then it suddenly became very dark, and she heard something strike her house.
“I got up and looked out my kitchen window,” Deanna recalled. “There were branches and stuff flying all around.” Her phone began lighting up with messages from her adult children and her ex-husband, urging her to take shelter.
It was August 24, 2023, and an F-1 tornado had touched down near Alpine Avenue.
Deanna grabbed her dog Bigby and together they waited out the storm in the bathtub. They made it through unharmed and her house was largely spared, but there was a lot to clean up. Deanna’s lot is full of trees, and many had come down.
After multiple foot and shoulder surgeries, Deanna knew she couldn’t tackle the cleanup herself. So she called 2-1-1.
Heart of West Michigan United Way’s 2-1-1 is a free helpline available to anyone in need. And during times of disaster, our team works closely with state and local agencies to coordinate the volunteer response.
A team of World Renew volunteers arrived at Deanna’s house to cut down damaged trees, remove branches from her roof, and pile up the debris. They even cleaned her gutters. While there, World Renew’s Chris Gibson reported to the Michigan Community Service Commission that Deanna could use more help than they were able to provide in the storm’s immediate aftermath. That’s when the MCSC contacted United Way’s Volunteer Center asking if we could gather a team of volunteers to lend a hand.
“The team showed up, and successfully helped Deanna have her backyard restored! Each volunteer helped with open arms and large smiles.”
Years ago as Old Kent Bank employees, Deanna and her husband had donated a portion of their paychecks to United Way. Now, unexpectedly finding herself on the receiving end of United Way’s help, she felt like she’d come full circle.
“I cannot say enough good about the way United Way helped me,” Deanna said.
2-1-1 will continue to coordinate with Kent County Emergency Management, the MCSC, and others to mobilize the volunteer response the next time a major storm hits. It’s just one example of what Heart of West Michigan United Way has been specializing in for more than 100 years: bringing community resources together to meet the need.
A couple weeks later, Deanna answered a knock at the door: It was staff from United Way, letting her know that six volunteers from the West Michigan Whitecaps were on their way, ready to work.
“It was just amazing,” Deanna said. “They worked so hard.”
The Whitecaps fixed a window, mowed grass, trimmed overgrown bushes, edged the driveway, and loaded all the leftover debris into an open-top provided by Cannonsburg Wood Product at no cost.
Deanna loved seeing how much joy the volunteers took in their work, laughing and cracking jokes. After years of living away from Comstock Park where she was raised, she felt embraced by the community again.
“It made me feel so much better about the way of the world right now.”
The Whitecaps have been involved with United Way for years, running an annual workplace campaign, taking part in Stuff the Sled drives during the holidays, and volunteering around Kent County. Deanna’s proximity to the LMCU Ballpark (and her long history as a “vocal” Whitecaps fan) made the decision to lend a hand a no-brainer.
“Volunteering for the community is a great way to get to know the people around you,” said Jack Powers, Whitecaps senior brand and design specialist.
If you or someone you know needs help accessing food, shelter, utility assistance, or tax prep services, call 2-1-1 to speak to one of our team members and get connected with local programs that can help. Learn more about 2-1-1 here.