IMPACT 211 activated by Wisconsin Emergency Management

Nearly 24,000 storm damage reports collected

In the aftermath of the severe storms and flooding that struck Southeastern Wisconsin on August 9th, IMPACT 211 was activated by Wisconsin Emergency Management to serve as a central access point for residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties.

Community members are encouraged to call 211—or use the online Disaster Report Form—to document property damage such as flooded basements, collapsed walls, or lightning-related incidents. These reports help local, state, and federal officials assess the full scope of damage. Meeting certain damage thresholds is essential for securing disaster relief funding.

Since activation, IMPACT 211 has collected nearly 24,000 reports with information that is being shared live with emergency management, county officials, and partner organizations. This collaboration ensures timely outreach and efficient resource distribution to those most affected.

Beyond data collection, our trained Community Resource Specialists provide 24/7/365 support, offering referrals to programs that help families regain stability in the storm's aftermath.

Looking back, IMPACT supported the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management after severe flooding in 2010. At that time, IMPACT 211 collected 10,789 damage reports. We have collected more than twice that amount in the past two weeks, thanks in part to the support provided by 211 Wisconsin. Approximately 65% of the damage reports have been submitted through the 211 Wisconsin Disaster Report form.

IMPACT credits network of partners in flood response

IMPACT works closely with emergency management throughout the year to prepare and respond to various community disasters, weather events, etc. Our collaboration with state and local agencies extends beyond that to ensure residents in our nine-county region of Southeastern Wisconsin can access the information and assistance needed during a crisis. Key partners in this event have included

:

• 211 Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Emergency Management
• Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management
• Waukesha County Office of Emergency Management
• Washington County Office of Emergency Management
• Milwaukee County
• City of Milwaukee
• Municipal Health Departments
• American Red Cross of Wisconsin
• Salvation Army of WI & Upper Michigan
• COAD (Citizens and Organizations Active in Disaster)
• VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster)

"We are benefiting greatly from the groundwork that was laid over several years among various partners," said Jasmine Window, IMPACT 211 Program Director. "I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge 211 Wisconsin and the network of 211 operations centers in other parts of the state and country. They've provided an outpouring of support in helping to collect damage reports over the past two weeks."

Window explained, "A typical average day of operations at IMPACT 211 is 500 calls. A typical busy day is 700 calls. In the week after the storm, we were averaging 780 calls per day that were specific to damage reports, above and beyond other calls from people seeking information and referral for general family, health and social service needs."

IMPACT in the news

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel  Milwaukee County urges residents to report flood damage via 211 line  

FOX6 Milwaukee Milwaukee flood recovery; IMPACT 211 data on disaster response | FOX6 Milwaukee 

WUWM More than 3,000 reports of structural damage in southeast Wisconsin after storms | WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

TMJ4 Neighbors in 53209 zip code work together to recover from historic flooding

Spectrum News 1 Local leaders encourage those impacted by floods to call 211

TMJ4 West Allis flood victims face insurance denials while waiting for federal aid

WISN12 Milwaukee's north side ZIP codes hardest hit by August flooding

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - 211 data show extent, location of Milwaukee flooding damage

FOX6 Milwaukee - Milwaukee flood reporting; victims experience long waits for 211 | FOX6 Milwaukee

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - How Milwaukee emerges from floods, climate change, heartbreaking loss

WISN12 - Waukesha Co. receives more than 2,100 flood damage reports

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service - Thousands of Milwaukee residents still feel effects of storm wreckage | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

CBS58 IMPACT 211 line sees thousands of calls daily as people seek help amid historic flooding

TMJ4 - Calls for help surge after historic southeastern Wisconsin floods

FOX6 Milwaukee - Milwaukee County flood recovery; 3,400+ property assessments done | FOX6 Milwaukee

WISN12 - FEMA officials will be on the ground in Wisconsin Thursday

Since 1960, IMPACT has helped people take the first step toward changing their life, for good. We assess and guide those experiencing personal crisis toward resources to achieve stability; and collaborate with community partners to foster system improvement throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.