Recovery

211 Wisconsin: Dial 211 to get connected to information and services for essential needs like food, housing and shelter, help with utilities, family services or healthcare.

• This free, nationwide resource helps small businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
  • Phone: 1‑888‑MY‑BIZ‑HELP (1‑888‑692‑4943) 
  • Online AI Chatbot: Available via the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Disaster Help Desk page — click the bottom‑right bubble on the site to start 
  • Email & Social Media: The Help Desk also responds to emails and posts updates on its Facebook page

 
Wisconsin live road closures

A Community Response Fund has been established in response to the July 27 tornado. Donations will support the immediate and longer-term needs of community members affected and sustain the organizational capacity of the groups doing the recovery and response work. The fund is a partnership between the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, United Way Fox Cities, and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.

• Donate here United Way Fox Cities – Tornado Recovery – Community Response Fund
• Nonprofits and community organizations supporting relief can apply for a grant here Community Response Fund for the 2026 Tornado Relief- Grant Application
• Learn more here 2026 Tornado Community Response Fund – Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

• Disaster Relief Resources

• Disaster Assistance Resources

• Disaster Relief: IRS resource explaining the special rules for claiming qualified disaster losses, including for hurricanes
• Disaster Assistance & Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses

• Disaster Recovery Assistance
• Unemployment Assistance

Recovery

• Temporary office space and short-term lease options: https://www.loopnet.com/
• Neenah Walmart is providing donations! All businesses who were affected are eligible to apply who are looking for donations. All portions of the form must be filled out and submited for review: https://feedbackally.walmart.com/survey/EOGJYR5flHBORdv/. Donations must be at least 20 pallets. If unable to unload and/or store 20 pallets, there are e-gift card options available.
• Twelve Fourteen Urban Luxury Salon is offering help to those whose salon/studio was damaged or is without power. They have private beauty rooms and styling stations available, as well as wi-fi and charging stations. Reach out to learn more https://www.twelvefourteensalon.com/
• A-mazing Events has space for those who need a place to work, charge devices, access wi-fi, hold a meeting, or simply regroup. Office and conference space is available for use. Reach out at 920.574.3460 or send them a message on social media.
• The Fox Cities Chamber has access to our business resources and connections that may help during recovery. Please call 920.734.7101 or email [email protected] to learn more.

Rebuilding

• SBA Disaster Loans: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• Verve CARES Loan: Available to current Verve members and non-members impacted by the tornado, the Verve CARES Loan can help cover temporary housing, emergency expenses, contractor deposits, and other disaster recovery costs.
  • Verve CARES Loan options include a 6-month term at 0% APR, a 12-month term at 2.99% APR, or a 24-month term at 4.99% APR, with payments deferred for the first 90 days. To verify impact and determine eligibility, applicants should call Verve’s dedicated tornado relief line at (920) 990-2506
• Prospera Credit Union is offering Disaster Relief Loan Assistance until further notice. These include three flexible repayment term options, as well as waived processing fees and 90 days with no payments.
  • Call 920-882-4800, press 7, then say “loan officer” to discuss financial relief options with a live loan specialist. Individuals can also visit their website at myprospera.com/storm-relief for more information.
• Simplicity Credit Union Disaster Relief Loan: When a storm impacts your home, family or finances, getting back on your feet can take time. The Disaster Relief Loan is designed to provide timely financial support to Simplicity Credit Union members directly impacted by the storm as they navigate the recovery process.
  • Members may borrow up to $15,000 at 3.99% APR for up to 60 months, with no payments for the first 90 days. Standard underwriting guidelines apply, and the loan is available only to members directly impacted by the storm. To get started, call 844.7MY.COOP (844.769.2667)

• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: https://wedc.org/
  • For information about state business-development resources and any recovery programs that may become available. Menasha is served by WEDC Region 8:
    • Jon Bartz: 608-210-6846 or [email protected]
    • Naletta Sanchez: 608-210-6830 or [email protected]
• Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx
  • For questions or concerns involving insurance companies, agents, adjusters or commercial property claims. Businesses should first contact their insurance company or agent. OCI may assist when questions or problems remain unresolved.
    • Toll-free: 800-236-8517
    • Email: [email protected]

Recovery

Lodging

• Displaced residents seeking lodging can find hotels with availability and discounted rooms here: https://www.foxcities.org/disaster-relief-rates-2/

Transportation

• Les Stumpf Ford is offering FREE Shuttle Service if you have been impacted and are unable to get to a doctor’s appointment or pick up essential prescriptions.
  • Call Les Stumpf Ford 920-731-5211 and ask for Shuttle Service.

Mental Health

• https://mentalhealth.networkofcare.org/foxcities-wi
• Unscripted Counseling Collective is offering community emotional support following the recent storms. Available resources include:
  
  • Reduced cost stress-management presentations for businesses, churches, and community organizations impacted by the storms (subject to availability through September 2026)
  • Ongoing outpatient counseling services for individuals seeking continued support- reach out for further details.
  • Contact via email or phone
    email: [email protected]
    phone: 920.358.0161

Bathrooms & Charging Stations

• Planet Fitness locations in Appleton East and Neenah are offering their facilities to anyone impacted by the recent storms, no membership needed.
  • Free showers, electrical outlets, wi-fi, workouts, massage chairs, and hydromassage loungers

Clothing

• The Community Clothes Closet
• Gunderson Cleaners Fox Valley Locations

Pets

• The Fox Valley Humane Association has food, litter, blankets, dog beds, and bowls available.
  • For those needing temporary fostering/housing for pets – dogs can be temporarily boarded on-site, and they are working to secure fosters for cats due to their current quarantine. Please call 920-733-1717 for animal housing assistance.
  • Lost & Found pets: Found pets from their service area can be brought to the shelter, if you have lost your pet please call 920-733-1717 with a description and watch their Stray Pets Page: https://www.facebook.com/FVHAStrayPets

Rebuilding

• Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity offers long term recovery resources through their Home Repair program. They will also be supporting homeowners affected by the disaster via their ReStore and will be deploying their volunteer network to impacted neighborhoods.
  • Individuals in need of long-term recovery support should reach out at foxcitieshabitat.org/contact-us, or by phone at 920-954-8702.
  • Individuals and groups looking to volunteer should visit foxcitieshabitat.org/volunteer or contact [email protected].

Repairs

• Please remember to choose reputable, local contractors for repairs.
  • Check our member directory for businesses in the area you can contact for help: https://members.foxcc.net/memberdirectory/
  • Member Directory — Browse by Category – Home Builders Association of the Fox Cities
• Prestige Roofing LLC is offering 100% free emergency tarping to stop leaks and prevent further damage to your home. Call or text 920.791.0414.
• Aquire Restoration is offering Free Estimates for storm damage including but not limited to: Board-ups, storm damage to roofs/siding, water damage, structural issues, etc.
  • Email [email protected] or call (920) 227-8473
• Cypress Homes, Inc. has experience with tear down and rebuild projects, for families whose damage is unfortunately too severe to repair, we are available for rebuilding projects.
  • Call our office at 920-734-2324 or email us at [email protected]. More information is on our website at callcypresshomes.com

Financial Assistance

• Verve CARES Loan: Available to current Verve members and non-members impacted by the tornado, the Verve CARES Loan can help cover temporary housing, emergency expenses, contractor deposits, and other disaster recovery costs.
  • Verve CARES Loan options include a 6-month term at 0% APR, a 12-month term at 2.99% APR, or a 24-month term at 4.99% APR, with payments deferred for the first 90 days. To verify impact and determine eligibility, applicants should call Verve’s dedicated tornado relief line at (920) 990-2506
• Fox Communities Credit Union is available to help those with unexpected financial challenges. We’re here to help families and individuals access the funds they may need, discuss loan and payment relief options, or find other ways to support you. We know each individual situation may be unique, and we’re here to help you understand your options.
  • Call 855-273-1682, schedule a virtual appointment from foxcu.org, or visit your closest Fox location.
• Prospera Credit Union is offering Disaster Relief Loan Assistance until further notice. These include three flexible repayment term options, as well as waived processing fees and 90 days with no payments.
  • Call 920-882-4800, press 7, then say “loan officer” to discuss financial relief options with a live loan specialist. Individuals can also visit their website at myprospera.com/storm-relief for more information.
• Simplicity Credit Union Disaster Relief Loan: When a storm impacts your home, family or finances, getting back on your feet can take time. The Disaster Relief Loan is designed to provide timely financial support to Simplicity Credit Union members directly impacted by the storm as they navigate the recovery process.
  • Members may borrow up to $15,000 at 3.99% APR for up to 60 months, with no payments for the first 90 days. Standard underwriting guidelines apply, and the loan is available only to members directly impacted by the storm. To get started, call 844.7MY.COOP (844.769.2667)

Volunteer

NOTE: Do not go directly to storm-affected areas unless directed by Emergency Management, Volunteer Fox Cities, or another official response organization.

• Volunteer Fox Cities – Learn more here.
• Christ the Rock – Learn more here.
• Alliance Church & Samaritan’s Purse are putting together volunteer teams. Learn more here.

Donate

General

• Reach out to your local food pantries to see what they are in need of! Many in the area have specific drop off times and locations, so please coordinate with them to see how you can best be of assistance.

Monetary Donations

• 2026 Tornado Community Response Fund – Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
• Fox Cares Foundation: 100% of donations will be directed to local tornado recovery efforts. And thanks to a generous $250,000 matching gift from Fox Communities Credit Union, every dollar donated will have twice the impact until the match is fulfilled.
  • Click here to donate today
• Thrivent is matching donations to Convoy of Hope, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and United Way Fox Cities at $1 for every $2 donated, up to $60,000. Learn more and donate by clicking here.
• Mobile Health Team is collecting donations for Menasha Joint School District students and families; click here to donate.
• Casa Hispana is helping local Hispanic individuals and families in need within our community.
  • Reach out to Estella Maris Carro ([email protected]) to see how you can help.

Pets

• The Fox Valley Humane Association is accepting donations of dog and cat food, cat litter, and other pet supplies. Monetary donations to help cover care costs can be sent here.
  • If you’d like to become a temporary foster for victims of the storms, click here to learn more.

Medical

• The Community Blood Center is actively facing an emergency blood and platelet shortage and is requesting local support for 44 local hospitals in Wisconsin. You can schedule a donation today by visiting communityblood.org, using the Community Blood Center Donor App, or calling (800) 280- 4102.

Business Support

While each business’s needs will be different, we encourage you to support them by:

• Sharing VERIFIED updates about reopening dates, temporary locations, and modified hours.
• Being patient with businesses experiencing delays, closures, or limited service.
• Offering specific resources, such as temporary office or storage space, equipment, transportation, professional services, or employee assistance, when a need has been identified.
• Supporting employees whose workplaces or homes have been affected.
• Donating through a verified local business-recovery fund if one is established.
• Continuing to patronize affected businesses that remain open or reopen.

Please do not arrive at a damaged property or assume what a business needs without first contacting them. The best way to help is to follow each business’s official communications and respond to the specific needs it identifies.

City of Menasha

Contact for: Official City updates, building inspections, permits, property access and questions related to reopening a damaged commercial property. The City’s Community Development Department can assist with commercial inspections, permits and other requirements related to repairing or reopening a business.

• City Hall: 920-967-3600
• Community Development: 920-967-3651

 
Menasha Utilities

Contact for: Power outages, downed electrical lines, water emergencies and questions about restoring utility service.

• Electrical outages and emergencies: 920-967-5190
• Water emergencies: 920-967-3450
• Customer service: 920-967-3400 

Winnebago County Emergency Management 

Contact for: Official disaster-response and recovery information affecting businesses in the Winnebago County portion of Menasha. Winnebago County Emergency Management coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts with local governments and public and private partners.

Winnebago County Tornado Event Information and Resources

City of Appleton

Storm Recovery Information

Appleton Emergency Management

Contact for: Official city disaster information, response and recovery coordination, and current incident updates.

• Cassidy Walsh, Emergency Management Coordinator
• 920-832-6429

 
Appleton Building Inspections

Contact for: Commercial building inspections, repair permits, electrical or plumbing inspections and requirements for safely reopening a damaged building.

• Main office: 920-832-6411
• Commercial Building Inspector: 920-832-6418
• Commercial Plumbing Inspector: 920-832-6419
• Electrical Inspectors: 920-832-6415 or 920-832-5806

 
Appleton Utilities

Contact for: City water and wastewater service concerns.

• Urgent utility requests during weekday business hours: 920-832-5945
• Hours listed: 7 a.m.–3 p.m. weekdays

 
Grand Chute Emergency Management and Fire Department

Contact for: Town emergency information, disaster-response questions and recovery coordination.

• Steve Denzien, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, 920-832-6050

 
Grand Chute Community Development

Contact for: Building inspections, repair permits, zoning, temporary business locations and questions about reopening a damaged commercial property.

• Michael Patza, Community Development Director, 920-832-1599

 
Grand Chute Public Works and Utility Department

Contact for: Water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, streets, debris and other public-works concerns.

• 920-832-1581

 
Outagamie County Emergency Management

Contact for: Countywide disaster information, damage-assessment coordination, public notifications and recovery information for businesses throughout Outagamie County.

• Main office: 920-832-5148
• Paula Van De Leygraaf, Emergency Management Director, [email protected]
   

Outagamie County Tornado Information Page

Fox Crossing Public Works

Contact for: Damaged streets, debris affecting public roadways, stormwater concerns and other public-infrastructure issues.

• Street Department: 920-720-7110
• Director of Public Works: Joe Hoechst

 
Fox Crossing Utilities

Contact for: Municipal water, sewer and stormwater problems.

• Utility Department: 920-720-7175
• After-hours water emergency: 920-419-3865
• After-hours sewer emergency: 920-419-3870
• Utility billing: 920-720-7106

 
Calumet County Emergency Management

For official disaster-response and recovery information affecting businesses in the Calumet County portion of Menasha.

• County office: 920-849-2361
• Toll-free: 833-620-2730