Tornado Damage
The recent tornadoes have left a significant impact on Portage and every effort counts as we work to restore the community. We’d like to encourage anyone who is able to support, help or donate in light of this tragedy. Our deepest sympathies go out to all who have been impacted. Here is a list of impactful ways you can contribute to local efforts during this critical time.
Community Resources
Monetary donations can be made to: Community Urgent Relief Fund: https://www.kalfound.org/grants/community-urgent-relief-fund
Disaster Relief Fund: https://unitedforscmi.org/disaster-relief-fund
Upcoming Volunteer Events: Outdoor Cleanup on Saturday, 5/11/24. Meet at Oakland Dr. Park around 8-8:30 am. Wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared to get dirty! End time TBD.
Basic Needs
Emergency Shelter – American Red Cross
Kalamazoo First Assembly of God, 5550 Oakland Dr.
Resource Details: Shelter, meals, access to electricity. Efforts being made to accommodate pets. Please bring a crate if possible. Shelter expected to be in place until no longer necessary. Donations of food and personal items can be made to the church.
Contact Information: 1-800-RED CROSS
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
Resource Details: Food pantry serving all of Kalamazoo County
Contact Information: Phone: (269) 343-3663 | Email: info@kzoolf.org | Website: kzoolf.org
Sasha Allaer, Life Coach and Professional Organizer
Resource Details: Free coaching for affected individuals
Contact Information: www.coachsashalouise.com | https://www.facebook.com/sasha.allaer.5
Support for Animals
Kzoo Cat Cafe – 4221 S Westnedge Ave
Resource Details: Assistance with food/litter. Donations can be dropped off at the cafe
Contact Information: (269) 350-4099
My Best Friends Inn – 10475 N 6th St, Otsego, MI 49078
Resource Details: Temporary boarding for pets displaced by damage
Contact Information: (269) 350-3832 | mybestfriendsinn.com
Happy Paws Pet Sitting
Resource Details: Assistance with drop-in visits for feeding cats/dogs, clean litter boxes, change water, let dogs outside. Animal transportation to shelters if needed
Contact Information: (269) 290-5393 | https://www.facebook.com/happypawsmattawan/ | www.kalamazoopetsitting.com
Sarah Brinkley
Resource Details: Temporary boarding for chickens that were lost in the storm. 2 x 25 ft pens available
Contact Information: Facebook messenger https://www.facebook.com/Sarah.E.Brinkley/
Temporary Storage for Belongings
Midway Storage
24560 Cole Avenue
Two Paws Storage & U-Haul
280 C.R. 665
Wine Country Storage & U-Haul
38656 Red Arrow Hwy
Resource Details: 90 days self-storage with valid ID and proof of address
Contact Information: (269) 532-5322 | https://storepawpaw.com/
Outdoor Clean-Ups
Bear Sign Company
Resource Details: Helping clear signs and clear debris. Providing storage and damage assessments. Will document damage with photos for insurance adjusters
Contact Information: (616) 455-4220 | mitchellc@bearsignco.com | gregg@bearsignco.com | https://www.facebook.com/BearSignCo/
Tailored Landscaping
Resource Details: Volunteer cleanup for outdoor areas
Contact Information: https://www.facebook.com/Tailoredscapesllc/
Wood Tech Hardwood Flooring (Daniel)
Resource Details: Volunteer cleanup for outdoor areas
Contact Information: https://www.facebook.com/yourwoodtech
Official Resources from Portage Government
Official Michigan Volunteer Registry
Resource Details: Online application, 15-20 minutes, approval required; database is accessed by government officials in cases of natural disasters or state of emergency
Contact Information: https://mivolunteerregistry.org
