IMPACT 211 Activated by Wisconsin Emergency Management

In the aftermath of the severe storms and flooding that struck Southeastern Wisconsin on August 9th, IMPACT 211 was activated by Wisconsin Emergency Management to serve as a central access point for residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties.

Community members are encouraged to call 211—or use the online Disaster Report Form—to document property damage such as flooded basements, collapsed walls, or lightning-related incidents. These reports help local, state, and federal officials assess the full scope of damage. Meeting certain damage thresholds is essential for securing disaster relief funding.

Since activation, IMPACT 211 has collected nearly 24,000 reports with information that is being shared live with emergency management, county officials, and partner organizations. This collaboration ensures timely outreach and efficient resource distribution to those most affected.

Beyond data collection, our trained Community Resource Specialists provide 24/7/365 support, offering referrals to programs that help families regain stability in the storm’s aftermath.

Looking back, IMPACT supported the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management after severe flooding in 2010. At that time, IMPACT 211 collected 10,789 damage reports. We have collected more than twice that amount in the past two weeks, thanks in part to the support provided by 211 Wisconsin. Approximately 65% of the damage reports have been submitted through the 211 Wisconsin Disaster Report form.

Impact 211 Call Breakdown. Provided.

IMPACT credits network of partners in flood response

IMPACT works closely with emergency management throughout the year to prepare and respond to various community disasters, weather events, etc. Our collaboration with state and local agencies extends beyond that to ensure residents in our nine-county region of Southeastern Wisconsin can access the information and assistance needed during a crisis. Key partners in this event have included

• 211 Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Emergency Management
• Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management
• Waukesha County Office of Emergency Management
• Washington County Office of Emergency Management
• Milwaukee County
• City of Milwaukee
• Municipal Health Departments
• American Red Cross of Wisconsin
• Salvation Army of WI & Upper Michigan
• COAD (Citizens and Organizations Active in Disaster)
• VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster)

“We are benefiting greatly from the groundwork that was laid over several years among various partners,” said Jasmine Window, IMPACT 211 Program Director. “I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge 211 Wisconsin and the network of 211 operations centers in other parts of the state and country. They’ve provided an outpouring of support in helping to collect damage reports over the past two weeks.”

Window explained, “A typical average day of operations at IMPACT 211 is 500 calls. A typical busy day is 700 calls. In the week after the storm, we were averaging 780 calls per day that were specific to damage reports, above and beyond other calls from people seeking information and referral for general family, health and social service needs.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by IMPACT

IMPACT announces the appointment of Randall C. Harlan as Chairman of the Board

Oct 1st, 2020 by IMPACT

 

IMPACT and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County partner with Lyft to fill gaps in transportation for eligible riders

Jul 10th, 2018 by IMPACT

The partnership is an extension of Lyft’s Relief Rides program that provides transportation to people in crisis.