As floodwaters recede across the region, the first step toward recovery for many residents is cleaning up, and international nonprofit Team Rubicon is here to help those impacted by the flooding.
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization with around 180,000 volunteers that respond to natural disasters across the world. In Hopkinsville, the nonprofit has set up an operating base at St. John Methodist Church.
Team Rubicon Incident Manager, Tyler Smith says they have crews working to help homeowners remove any furniture, appliances and flooring that may have been damaged by floodwaters. Crews can also lay tarps on impacted roofs and remove tree that may have fallen due to the storms.
Smith says they received a list of flood-impacted homes and have been going door-to-door to see if residents need assistance.
Following natural disasters, scammers may pose as nonprofits or government officials to take advantage of those impacted. Smith says this has led people who have not heard of Team Rubicon to be weary of their efforts, but he assures folks that they are here to help and their services are free.
Those interested in supporting Team Rubicon can sign up to volunteer or donate to the organization’s mission at teamrubiconusa.org.
Team Rubicon is set to be in the community until May 1, but it may extend its stay depending on the number of residents who still need assistance. Those who need recovery help can contact the Team Rubicon members set up in Hopkinsville at 214-802-9058.
Photo courtesy of Jason Whitman from Team Rubicon