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Benton County Relief Fund Created to Aid Storm Victims

The Benton County Relief Fund, a partnership for Benton County cities and citizens, announced that it is providing short-term financial assistance to Benton County households impacted by the devastating storms of May 26, 2024. The Fund will also support local nonprofit service providers for their disaster responses for Benton County and all affected communities therein.

Photo Credit: Will Rusch

LAST UPDATED • June 5th, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

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Benton County Relief Fund    Launches Today

Assistance Available to Residents and Nonprofits Impacted by May 26th Storms

 

Rogers, Ark., June 5, 2024 The Benton County Relief Fund, a partnership for Benton County cities and citizens, announced that it is providing short-term financial assistance to Benton County households impacted by the devastating storms of May 26, 2024. The Fund will also support local nonprofit service providers for their disaster responses for Benton County and all affected communities therein.

“The only thing more staggering than the damage wreaked by these storms is the outpouring of generosity we’ve seen,” said Judge Barry Moehring of Benton County. “A tremendous amount of calls has come in from folks wanting to help with the ongoing relief efforts. The question has been ‘Where can we tell them to go?’”

In response, a coalition of government, business, and philanthropic institutions has created the Benton County Relief Fund. The Fund will be administered by Excellerate Foundation, which previously partnered with Benton County on distributing Emergency Rental Assistance funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Benton County Relief Fund is a centralized, local resource that can assist both individuals and nonprofit service providers at the same time,” said Jeff Webster, President / CEO of Excellerate Foundation. “It complements other relief funding from agencies like the Red Cross and FEMA by covering needs that they might not consider eligible and by having a fast turnaround time to address the most critical needs quickly.”

Households that live in Benton County, were directly impacted by the May 26th storms, and make $125,000 or less annually are eligible for the Fund. Residents will also receive customized resource plans that will connect them to as many resources as possible to ensure that their needs are met. Those who are interested should fill out the form at harknwa.com/get-help to start the process.

Support for nonprofit providers that serve Benton County will be rolling out shortly, with additional details to be released in the coming days.

The Fund has already received contributions from Excellerate Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, but the scope of the storm damage means that more help is desperately needed. If you would like to contribute to the Benton County Relief Fund, please visit bentoncountyrelieffund.com and click on “Donate.” All contributions are tax-deductible, and 100% of all funds raised will go directly to relief efforts.