LITTLE ROCK – Volunteer teams are mobilizing across the area impacted by the March 31 tornado to assist with debris removal and recovery.

Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. today said that nearly 1,400 people have signed up to volunteer through the City’s web page, www.LittleRock.gov/volunteer. Dozens of people, including U.S. Coast Guard members based in Pine Bluff, worked on clean-up crews throughout the Kingwood neighborhood today.

“We’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors across our city, whether it be neighbors from across the street or from another part of the world, as we rebuild from this disaster,” said Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “These selfless acts of service are a reflection of the generous heart of the people of Little Rock. I’m humbled by the outpouring of support through volunteerism, monetary donations and donated goods.”

City-led volunteer mobilizations are scheduled for Friday, April 7, Saturday, April 8, and Monday, April 10, in the Walnut Valley neighborhood. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up at www.littlerock.gov/volunteer to participate in these clean-up efforts. Scores of nonprofit organizations, community groups and churches are planning to volunteer over the weekend across tornado-impacted areas.

Volunteers working this weekend and throughout the recovery process are asked to be prepared to do the following:

• When using a chainsaw to remove debris, cut up trees to no longer than six feet per log for disposal.
• Separate debris by type: tree waste, construction debris, regular household waste, and tires. If debris is not separated, the City will be unable to pick it up curbside.
• Place all debris no more than 10 feet from the curb.

Volunteers are requested to bring:

• Gloves
• Water
• Rakes
• Shovels
• Buckets
• Tools

“Our recovery would not be progressing as easily and smoothly without the help of our dedicated volunteers and groups. We need and appreciate all your assistance, and thank you for helping us as we continue the long process of recovery,” Mayor Scott said.

Other updates for today:

DONATIONS: Little Rock Cares is a tax-exempt fund in which 100 percent of donations will be used to assist tornado victims in Little Rock. More than $177,000 has already been pledged through Little Rock Cares.

Donations of goods are being accepted from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Saturday at the City’s Drop-Off point at 7000 Murray St. Specific needs include canned foods, flashlights, batteries and diapers.

HOUSING: After issuing more than 200 hotel vouchers, the City of Little Rock has reached capacity. Individuals who continue to need housing can utilize the Red Cross temporary emergency shelter at Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE: The Small Business Administration has opened its Business Recovery Center at the Adolphine Fletcher Terry Library, 2015 Napa Valley Drive. SBA officials will be at the library Monday through Saturday to help businesses and residents access the assistance and loans available through the SBA. Learn more at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov.

In addition, FEMA representatives are available at the City’s Family Assistance Center at The City Center, 315 N. Shackleford Road. The Family Assistance Center offers meals, necessities and multiple resources to impacted residents. The Center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. This weekend, the Family Assistance Center will be open from 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

ESSENTIAL LINKS:

Donate to Little Rock Cares at www.LittleRock.gov/LRCares

Get updates about road closures and traffic light outages at www.LittleRock.gov/roads

Update officials about property damage at www.LittleRock.gov/lrdamage

Learn more about the competitive bidding process for debris removal and disposal contracts at www.LittleRock.gov/lrprocure

For complete information about Little Rock’s tornado response, visit www.LittleRock.gov/relief.