Disaster Relief & Recovery
United Way of Steele County mobilizes our community before, during, and after disasters—so all can thrive. When crisis hits, we connect neighbors with urgent relief, coordinate with community partners, and stay for the long term recovery.
Preparedness
We strengthen readiness through education, planning, and coordination with emergency management—reducing harm when disasters occur.
Relief
When disaster strikes, we activate fast—supporting shelter, food, water, information, and connections via 211 and our local partners.
Long Term Recovery
We stay after headlines fade, in partnership with the local CAER-LTRG—helping families rebuild homes, restore stability, and access mental health supports and case management.
During an active disaster: Funds prioritize urgent relief and early recovery (e.g., shelter, food, repairs, case management).
Between disasters: Funds strengthen local preparedness, volunteer coordination, and unmet needs support—so we can respond faster next time.
Get Help Now (24/7)
Call 211 (toll free 800 543 7709), or text your ZIP code to 898 211 to reach trained Community Resource Specialists who can connect you to shelters, food, housing, mental health support, and disaster information. Service is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Your Gift: Immediate Relief & Long Term Recovery
Give
Your donation fuels relief today and recovery tomorrow. Consider a recurring gift to sustain long term rebuilding.
Volunteer
Join our volunteer list to support distribution centers, clean ups, and long term recovery activities when it’s safe and coordinated.
Community Partners
Are you a community partner offering services during disasters? Share your capabilities so we can coordinate resources effectively.
Transparency & Stewardship
We publish summaries of funds raised, distributions, and outcomes. In an active disaster, reports are posted here and emailed to donors and partners.
- Fund distribution aligned with local needs, vetted community partners, and emerging recovery priorities.
- Designations honored whenever possible; undesignated gifts are directed to the most pressing needs.
- We coordinate with VOADs, emergency management, and partner agencies to reduce duplication and close gaps.
Questions about designations, receipts, or matching gifts? Contact us.
Preparedness Resources
Family & Household
- Make a 3 day “Go Kit” (water, food, meds, chargers, copies of IDs).
- Agree on a meet up spot and out of area contact.
- Know evacuation routes & local alerts.
Neighbors & Community
- Check on older adults and people with disabilities.
- Share readiness checklists in your building or faith community.
- Join our preparedness trainings and drills.
Small Business
- Back up records and payroll; create a continuity plan.
- Update insurance; photograph assets.
- Register with our partner network for reopening support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my donation be used?
During an active disaster, gifts support immediate relief and early recovery in the affected communities. Between disasters, gifts enhance preparedness and unmet needs funds so we’re ready to act quickly.
Can I designate my donation?
Yes—if you designate a city/county or program area on the donation form, we aim to honor that intent. Undesignated gifts are applied to the greatest current need.
How do people get help?
Contact the United Way of Steele County Office at 507-455-1180 or Dial 211 (toll free 800 543 7709) or text your ZIP code to 898 211 for up to date local resources, shelter information, and referrals. If in immediate danger, call 911. In time of disaster, an application will be made available here.
Will you publish reports on funds raised and distributed?
Yes—summary reports will be posted on this page and emailed to donors and partners at regular intervals throughout the response and recovery phases.
Contact
United Way of Steele County
245 18th St SE, Suite 1, Owatonna, MN 55060
507 455 1180 · Contact us online