Children and adults write on a large chalkboard with chalk messages.

Community & Impact

The July 27 tornado affected families, neighborhoods, businesses and organizations across our community. Recovery will take time, resources and sustained community support.

Recovery Is Bigger Than Rebuilding.

Tornado recovery isn’t a straight line. Emergency assistance can keep a family from falling behind. Home repairs can make a house safe again. Housing support can prevent displacement. Each step matters—and each strengthens the next.

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Community Resources

Recovery help is available, and you don’t have to find it alone. We’ve listed verified local, county and statewide resources for residents, businesses and organizations affected by the July 27 tornado.

Dial 211

Call 211 or file a damage report online. Reporting damage helps local emergency managers and community organizations see where the greatest needs are so they can coordinate recovery. Free, confidential, 24/7

LEAVEN

LEAVEN provides emergency financial assistance and basic-needs support to people throughout the Fox Cities who are facing financial hardship.

Direct Household Assistance — LEAVEN

Direct financial assistance for housing, transportation, child care and utilities. Book an appointment through the website first — demand is high. Households need proof of primary address. Phone line for those without internet access: 920-738-9635

Direct Household Assistance — People of Progression

Direct financial assistance plus one-on-one support for navigating the recovery process. Walk-ins at 333 First St., Suite A, Menasha, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; Thursday by appointment. 920-815-9487

City of Menasha Tornado Recovery

Official city page for debris collection, road closures, inspections and recovery updates.

Winnebago County Tornado Event Information & Resources

County-level hub. Includes the storm damage viewer built from July 29 drone imagery covering Fox Crossing, Menasha and Neenah, which residents and businesses can use to document damage. The county’s Multi-Agency Resource Center has also moved online here.

Community Response Fund — 2026 Tornado Relief

The main pooled relief fund, run jointly by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, United Way Fox Cities and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. To donate, visit unitedwayfoxcities.org/tornado.

American Red Cross, Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Long-term recovery casework. Staff and volunteers have emergency resources for anyone affected. Also 1-800-733-2767.

Habitat for Humanity

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity works to create and preserve safe, affordable housing throughout the Fox Cities.

Volunteer Fox Cities — 2026 Storm Response

Current volunteer opportunities and recovery updates. Needs change quickly, so check the page rather than self-deploying to affected neighborhoods.

Building Inspection, City of Menasha

Permits and inspections for repair and reconstruction. Residential: Alison Humski, 920-967-3655. Commercial: Jane Drager, 920-967-3656. Inspections must be scheduled 1–2 business days ahead.

Fox Cities Chamber — Business Recovery

Local, regional and state resources compiled specifically for businesses navigating the recovery process. Updated as new assistance becomes available.

City of Appleton Emergency Management

Incident updates and recovery information for residents on the Appleton side of the tornado path.

Stories from Our Community

Every home, business and block on the tornado’s path has a story. These are a few of them, shared by neighbors in their own words.

Street signs for Milwaukee St and Main St at a crowded outdoor festival with tents and buildings.

Community Stories

September 2, 2026

If the July 27 tornado impacted your home, business, or neighborhood, we want to hear from you. We are gathering personal accounts from across the Fox Valley to document the storm’s lasting effects. You decide how your story is shared, whether through writing, interviews, or documentation. Help us preserve this important community history today.

Read Story →