Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund Established to Support Recovery After July 16 Storm
An emergency fund has been established by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties in response to the severe thunderstorms and tornado that impacted Rome and surrounding areas on July 16, which caused widespread power outages and destruction to homes, buildings, and historic landmarks. All donations made to the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund will directly support relief and recovery efforts being undertaken by community nonprofit organizations and local municipalities. This effort will be a collaboration between several local foundations and funders to support the citizens of Rome.
The July 16 storm caused major damage to notable landmarks in Rome, including knocking the iconic B-52 airplane off its foundation and the steeple of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church collapsing into the roof, causing major damage to the building. The mural depicting Brigadier General Peter Gansevoort on horseback was also claimed by the storm, with nothing but the horse’s hooves remaining intact.
“In the aftermath of destruction, we are reminded of our strength as a community,” said Community Foundation President/CEO Alicia Fernandez Dicks. “Our friends in Rome and the surrounding area need all of us right now, and this fund will bring hope and healing to the lives and communities devastated by this storm.”
Similar to local flood recovery relief and COVID-19 response efforts, the Community Foundation has been coordinating with Oneida County government to ensure alignment with response efforts.
“Yesterday’s storm devastated Rome and while Oneida County, the State of New York, the City of Rome and the Red Cross are coordinating and executing disaster response efforts, the road to recovery will require extensive collaboration and community support,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “I appreciate the Community Foundation for creating this mechanism for all those who wish to contribute, no matter how small, to assist those in need.”
The Community Foundation is working with County officials to determine how funds will be distributed to those in need. Details on how nonprofits and municipal partners can request funding are being finalized and will be made available on the Community Foundation’s website as soon as possible.
Individuals, institutions, companies and other funders are encouraged to donate online at foundationhoc.org/rome or by sending a check to the Community Foundation at 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. Questions regarding corporate giving or other gift options should be directed to Nick Grimmer, director of giving strategies, at ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org, 315-525-6584.