Another McHenry County Flood Resource Center Now Open in Johnsburg

McHENRY COUNTY, IL — Nearly two weeks after torrential rains blanketed northern Illinois and flooded hundreds of residents’ homes, the need for resources throughout Cook, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Stephenson counties remains.

And area organizations, such as the American Red Cross, are stepping in to bridge that gap. The nonprofit organization announced Thursday the addition of yet another flood supply and support center. Opening this Friday, July 28, residents may access services from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the McHenry Township Recreation Center, 3719 N. Richmond Road in Johnsburg.

"Experiencing a home flood can be an extremely stressful situation," American Red Cross representative said in a news release. "We encourage people to come to the MARC for help establishing an individualized, long-term recovery plan with a trained case worker, to get free clean-up supplies specific to flood needs ... and to access possible financial assistance."

Those needing help are encouraged to stop in to pick up free cleanup supplies, water testing kits, food and water. The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) is distributing the much-needed supplies thanks to a team effort spearheaded by the Red Cross, McHenry County and the Salvation Army.

In total, more than 20 government, community and faith-based organizations are supporting residents via the MARC. The list includes, but is not limited to: the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Church Charities, McHenry County Mental Health Board, McHenry County Housing Authority, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Northern Illinois United Methodist Church, St. Vincent DePaul, Samaritans Purse, the Salvation Army, Senior Services Associates of McHenry, Team Rubicon, and United Church of Christ.

Visitors are asked to follow traffic signs that posted around the site, according to a news release from McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks. They should expect to enter at the intersection of Illinois Route 31 and Johnsburg Road, where a road signal will help manage traffic. Drivers should not enter by making a left turn across Illinois Route 31 at any other location, the notice says.

Residents who need help should call the Red Cross flood hotline at 847-220-7495.