Disaster Date:07/26/2021
Red Lake, MN
Tornadoes
What Happened
A tornado struck the community of Red Lake on Monday, July 26, 2021. This included the Red Lake and Redby areas on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, causing thousands of dollars in damages to buildings, motor vehicles and other structures and property. They experienced golf-ball sized hail and damaging winds that destroyed homes and vehicles. 78 homes were heavily damaged. There was no disaster declaration from FEMA, leaving the community on their own to secure funds for repairs and volunteers to make repairs.
What MDS Is Doing
MDS volunteers will be staying in a newly constructed Volunteer Center in the town of Red Lake. MDS volunteers will be replacing damaged siding, windows and doors as well as doing interior repairs once the homes are dried in.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to experience and learn a unique Native American culture during their time in Red Lake.
Location
Red Lake is located in North Central Minnesota, about 36 miles north of Bemidji. It is in a beautifully forested area and rests on the shores of Lower Red Lake. The area is known for its outstanding fishing and outdoor activities. The Red Lake Tribal Council is committed to maintaining and conducting its affairs in a manner that is aligned with the expectations of our ancestors, elders, tribal members, and future generations. About 36.8% of families and 36.4% of the population were below the poverty line.
Stories from the Field
Weekly Reports
Long-term volunteers this week include Jack Odhiambo, Inko Ndlovu-Mathuthu, Eric Douglas and Janis Ott, the four year-long volunteers; David King, crew leader; Lois Wenger, head cook; Don and Rachel Horst, project director and office manager. Our...
Long-term volunteers this week were year-long volunteer, Jack Odhiambo from Kenya; Inko Ndlovu-Mathuthu from Zimbabwe; Eric Douglas from Mississippi and Janis Ott from Germany. From Virginia was David King, crew leader; Lois Wenger from New York...
Long-term volunteers this week included our 4 yearlong volunteers, Jack Odhiambo, Inko Ndlovu-Mathuthu, Eric Douglas and Janis Ott; David King, crew leader; Lois Wenger, head cook; Mim and Leo Martin, assistant cook and crew leader; Don and Rachel...