Six months and counting.

That is the tally for many Marshalltownians still suffering from the tornado’s lingering effects. Some have had their problems resolved. Others are still waiting for insurance settlements.

Regardless, Central Iowa and local businesses, individuals, foundations and more donated $611,000 to help many in need through Mid-Iowa Community Action, a key agency in collecting funds for victims.

“The $611,000 is effective July 20 through Oct. 29,” Executive Director of MICA Arlene McAtee said.

MICA has served and is serving a total of 931 unduplicated families through its donations and state programs (722 through state grant program and 300 through the donation. Some families received assistance through both programs).

McAtee said the funds aided victims by paying for a variety of needs like temporary housing, property demolition and purchasing groceries to replace food lost due to power outages.

MICA continues to provide case management services to any family affected by the tornado. Anyone can receive those services and they can be particularly helpful to families trying to determine what resources are available or how to take the next steps in recovery. More than 300 families continue in case management currently and families can still apply for these case management services at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1011 S. Third Ave., or by contacting 641-485-3596. Assistance is available for those needing Spanish language interpreters and MICA can make arrangements for other languages as well.

McAtee said the Marshalltown Long-Term Tornado Relief Recovery Committee was formed in August to assist in the management tornado relief efforts and that agency is extremely active.

MICA, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and others rallied in earnest to aid victims beginning the evening of July 19.

Their work will continue through 2019 and beyond, according to tornado-ravaged communities like Parkersburg, which was hit by an EF-5 tornado May 25, 2008. Seven people were killed in the storm and the town suffered millions in property damages.

Parkersburg officials and those from other communities nationwide told Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer to expect a five-year recovery effort.