{HARRISBURG} — The City of Harrisburg is calling on anybody physically able to volunteer to cleanup tornado damage from the August 9 storm.
City of Harrisburg Public Works, alongside workers from Disaster Aid USA, are asking volunteers to assist in removing tree limbs and brush in the Bellevue neighborhood. Volunteers will be able to help during the following dates and times:
- Thursday, August 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, August 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, August 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Work will be done in the area where Briarcliff Road, Chestnut Street, and Parkhill Lane meet. Parking is available at The Bridge Eco-Village (former Bishop McDevitt High School), at which point people can walk across Market Street, down Briarcliff Road, to the central meeting place at the confluence of Briarcliff, Chestnut, and Parkhill.
Volunteers will help move downed limbs and shrubbery to the curbside, while Public Works will use heavy equipment trucks to grab downed trees, chainsaws to cut them up, and run the remaining logs through wood chippers.
People interested in helping are asked to wear closed-toe shoes, pants, and long-sleeve shirts. Gloves and hats are also advised. Bring your own rakes and loppers if available.
Water will be provided, though donations are welcome. City of Harrisburg Parks & Recreation is providing a tent to cool down, as well as portapotties.
Through-traffic will be closed to non-emergency vehicles between the intersections of Briarcliff & Market Streets and Chestnut Street & Pentwater Road.
“Along with helping out homeowners here, we need to make these roads safer for children,” said Steve Nuckles of Disaster Aid USA. “Schools are going to be opening [Monday], and we need to make sure they have a safe path to get to school. The other thing is we need to make these streets more passable for emergency vehicles.”
“We are calling on Harrisburg residents to help our own in their time of need,” added Public Works Director Dave West. “This tornado has massively devastated our community, and we are using every possible asset that we can to try and clean up this entire area so we can make the city better for our children, and all of our residents.”
Approximately 111 buildings, including homes and places of worship, were damaged the morning of August 9 when an EF1 tornado touched down in East Harrisburg, and devastated a three mile stretch from Derry Street to Penbrook Borough.
Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PAVOAD) and Crisis Cleanup have set up a call center to streamline recovery efforts. This call center aims to ensure efficient coordination and effective use of resources to aid those affected by the storm. This call center aims to efficiently coordinate volunteer assistance for muck out operations, tree removal and debris cleanup for affected residents.
By calling 844-965-1386, survivors can register their need for cleanup with volunteers from various local, regional, and statewide PAVOAD organizations, including community groups and faith-based communities. These volunteers can assist with muck out operations, tree removal and debris cleanup. You are encouraged to share this hotline number widely to ensure that all affected residents can access the help they need.
Crisis Cleanup is a renowned disaster work order management platform that facilitates better coordination among relief organizations, minimizes duplication of efforts, and enhances the volunteer experience. They have opened an incident specific to TS Debby to assist with the ongoing recovery.
Pennsylvania 211 is also assisting in Debby cleanup efforts. PA 2‑1‑1 is a free service that is available 24/7 and can help you find local community services. Dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Pennsylvania, and you will speak with a resource navigator who will help you locate programs and services in your area. If you have difficulties using the 211 number, dial 1-855-567-5341.
PA 2‑1‑1 is available in multiple languages and offers information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions. You can also go online. Visit PA211.org to search for help in your area.
City residents can also contact Public Works Director Dave West directly at [email protected]. Harrisburg Public Works will pick up any debris left curbside. The City will also come onto your property with your written consent, in an email sent to Director West.
