NWA Disaster Relief & Resources

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Benton County experienced severe storms with high winds and tornados, leaving a path of destruction through parts of Decatur, Bentonville, Rogers, and surrounding areas. Tens of thousands of residents suffered significant property damage, and many are still without power.

Several schools, churches, and community centers have opened their doors to the community. The most comprehensive roundups of resources we’ve seen so far include:

• Benton County Storm Relief 

• Rogers Public Schools Disaster Relief Page 

• City of Decatur Tornado Relief Resources

• Impact NWA List of Tornado Relief Efforts

• Rogers Emergency Relief

Here are a few highlights:

Applying for Financial Aid

The Benton County Relief Fund has been launched to provide short-term financial assistance to households impacted by the devastating storms of May 26 and support local nonprofits in their disaster response efforts. Households in Benton County directly impacted by the May 26 storms and earning $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 their needs are met.

Following the Major Disaster Declaration, Benton County residents can apply for funding from FEMA. Local businesses can apply for disaster loans through the SBA.

Food

• Rogers High School: Providing Free Breakfast and Lunch Monday through Friday at 8a and 12p (use the entrance by the auditorium).

• Samaritan Community Center: The cafe is back in operation, serving hot meals from 10:30a-1p. The market is open for groceries from 10a-12p.

• Decatur High School: The gym will serve as a community relief center providing A/C, showers, laundry services, and wifi from 9a-3p daily this week.

Shelter & Supplies

• Rogers High School provides shelter and showers. Food, bedding, towels, water, toiletries, and washcloths are also available for pick-up for those in need.

• Decatur City Hall has baby wipes, sports drinks, and water available from 8a-4:30p Monday-Friday.

• Decatur High School Gym is open as a community relief center providing A/C, showers, laundry services, and wifi from 9a-3p daily this week.

• The Metroplex Event Center in Rogers is offering daytime shelter, food, and beverages for those in need of a place to cool off and recharge.

• Sam’s Furniture in Springdale is offering food, water, and shelter.

• Falling Springs Church in Decatur has mobile showers and porta-potties set up at the intersection of Carlton Drive and West Mountain Road.

• First Baptist Church Decatur has been distributing donations.

Reporting Damage

If you have structural damage to your home or business from the May 26 storms, it’s important to fill out the Citizen Damage Reporter on BentonCountyAR.gov 

Volunteer Opportunities

• Rogers High School needs volunteers to help serve meals and collect donations. Find a donations list and volunteer details HERE, or sign up for a time slot to volunteer HERE.

• Sheep Dog Impact Assistance has been gathering at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers to mobilize volunteers. Register to help HERE. Can’t deploy but want to help? Donate HERE. 

• Rogers Lowell Chamber is connecting volunteers with those in need. Find a form to get connected HERE.

• NWA Food Bank needs volunteers to help pack groceries and assist with Mobile Pantry distributions. Register HERE.

• Storm Damage Cleanup crews are being organized by local nonprofit Nova Terra to help remove fallen trees. If you’d like to volunteer, sign up HERE. Need assistance? Fill out this Google Form.

• Recovery Organizations Oasis and P.E.A.R.L. are joining forces to provide shelter and resources for men and women in recovery. Donate HERE.

• American Red Cross of Arkansas is accepting monetary donations and hosting volunteer opportunities. Learn more HERE.

Positive Stories

In the midst of this crisis, neighbors from around Northwest Arkansas have stepped up to help. The Bentonville Bulletin captured some really encouraging moments from all around town on Memorial Day. Read the uplifting stories and see photos HERE.

Spread The Word

If you’d like to share other opportunities, please send information to [email protected]. We’ll do our best to update this page throughout the day.