Community Foundation establishes fund to aid Rome in aftermath of tornado. How to help

An emergency fund has been established by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties in response to the severe thunderstorms and tornado that impacted Rome and surrounding areas on Tuesday, July 16.

The storms caused widespread power outages and destruction to homes, buildings, and historic landmarks.

“In the aftermath of destruction, we are reminded of our strength as a community,” said Community Foundation President/CEO Alicia Fernandez Dicks in a statement. “Our friends in Rome and the surrounding area need all of us right now, and this fund will bring hope and healing to the lives and communities devastated by this storm.”

All donations made to the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund will directly support relief and recovery efforts being undertaken by community nonprofit organizations and local municipalities.

This effort will be a collaboration between several local foundations and funders to support the citizens of Rome, officials said.

Individuals, institutions, companies and other funders are encouraged to donate online at foundationhoc.org/rome or by sending a check to the Community Foundation at 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. Questions regarding corporate giving or other gift options should be directed to Nick Grimmer, director of giving strategies, at ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org, 315-525-6584.

What happened:Major storm, possible tornado, leaves Rome tattered; thousands left without power

The Community Foundation said it is working with county officials to determine how funds will be distributed to those in need. Details on how nonprofits and municipal partners can request funding are being finalized and will be made available on the Community Foundation’s website as soon as possible.

“Yesterday’s storm devastated Rome and while Oneida County, the State of New York, the City of Rome and the Red Cross are coordinating and executing disaster response efforts, the road to recovery will require extensive collaboration and community support,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. PicenteJr. In a statement

“I appreciate the Community Foundation for creating this mechanism for all those who wish to contribute, no matter how small, to assist those in need.”