milwaukee Flood Survivors Seek Crucial Aid as Crowdfunding Efforts Rise
Residents devastated by a catastrophic “1,000-year flood” are turning to online platforms and charitable organizations for support as they rebuild their lives.
Milwaukee and its surrounding communities are grappling with the extensive aftermath of a devastating flood event, characterized as a “1,000-year flood,” which struck over a recent weekend in August 2025. This catastrophic rainfall has left numerous residents in dire need of assistance, highlighting the profound impact on homes and livelihoods.
A significant challenge facing many survivors is the lack of flood insurance policies. Government aid, both at the local and federal levels, is currently pending review, leaving victims to seek immediate support through alternative channels. While no flood-related fatalities were reported, the damage to personal property, including homes and vehicles, has been substantial.
Community Rallies Through Crowdfunding
In response to widespread need, the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe has become a vital resource for Milwaukee-area families. Numerous fundraisers have been established to directly assist those affected by the deluge, offering a obvious way for individuals to contribute to recovery efforts.
Stories of Loss and Resilience
The stories emerging from the floods underscore the severity of the devastation. On Milwaukee’s north side, the family of Carla Xiong lost irreplaceable furniture and both of their vehicles, rendering them without essential transportation. Their fundraiser aims to help recover these critical losses.
Erin and Joey Ortiz have initiated a campaign to support a veteran whose home sustained significant water damage to personal belongings. Similarly,Katie Downey shared that her brother,a Marine veteran,experienced a complete submersion of his basement and its contents.
In Waukesha, a young couple, Alexis and Brendan, who are expecting their first child, were forced to evacuate their home as floodwaters rose over four feet. The inundation destroyed their basement, damaged their garage, and ruined personal items. Their recovery is being supported through a dedicated fundraiser.
The Bowers family in West Allis, including their 14-month-old son Julian, faced a harrowing experience waking to six feet of water in their basement. Both of their cars were also flooded, and their belongings were destroyed.
Vanessa Xiong described losing almost everything in her Milwaukee home when a wall collapsed due to the flooding. Her car was also submerged,leaving her family to start from “zero.”
Jennifer Gross, a special education teacher, has launched a fundraiser to help restore her home, were she cares for family members with disabilities, after it was affected by the flood.
Further northside Milwaukee families are also seeking help. Melissa Bennett’s fundraiser highlights a submerged basement that resulted in the loss of a washer and dryer, with repair costs for her car exceeding its value.
Nancy Wozniak is raising funds for Terry Crawford, whose home became uninhabitable after a mudslide caused basement walls to collapse. Voentta Davis shared a similar plight,with a caved-in basement wall leading to the total loss of her son’s downstairs belongings.
Musician Ryan Kubacki lost his entire home studio and all his instruments in the flood, as detailed in a fundraiser organized by Dylan Greenhill.
Lauralie Ulrich, a mother of four, also lost her home due to a wall collapse caused by the flood, rendering the residence uninhabitable. A fundraiser has been established to aid her family’s recovery.
This compilation represents a selection of the many recovery efforts underway. For a comprehensive list, visit GoFundMe.com and search for “Wisconsin.”
| Family/Individual | Location | Primary loss | Support Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carla Xiong | Northside Milwaukee | Vehicles, furniture | GoFundMe |
| Veteran (Ortiz Family Fundraiser) | Milwaukee | Personal items | GoFundMe |
| Darin Downey (Marine Veteran) | Milwaukee | Basement contents | GoFundMe |
| Alexis & Brendan | Waukesha | Home damage, belongings | GoFundMe |
| carly & Nick Bowers | West Allis | Vehicles, basement belongings | GoFundMe |
| Vanessa Xiong | Milwaukee | Home, belongings, vehicle | gofundme |
| Jennifer Gross | Milwaukee | Home (cares for disabled family) | GoFundMe |
| Melissa Bennett | Northside Milwaukee | Vehicle, appliances | GoFundMe |
| Terry Crawford | location unspecified | Home (mudslide damage) | GoFundMe |
| Voentta Davis’s Son | Milwaukee | Room contents | GoFundMe |
| Ryan Kubacki (Musician) | Milwaukee | Studio, instruments | GoFundMe |
| Lauralie Ulrich | Milwaukee | Home | GoFundMe |
Alternative Avenues for Donation
Beyond individual fundraisers, several established organizations are actively supporting flood relief efforts in the region.
The United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha county has established an urgent need fund specifically for flood recovery. donations can be made directly through their website.
The American red Cross Wisconsin Region is accepting donations for flood relief. Contributions can be made via their website or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is also accepting donations to help provide food assistance to those affected by the disaster, accessible through their website.
Milwaukee residents seeking information or assistance can dial 211. This service is a free, confidential resource connecting individuals with a wide array of local programs and support services.
Evergreen Insights: Flood Preparedness and Community Support
The recent devastating floods in Milwaukee serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and community resilience. understanding flood risks and taking proactive measures can significantly mitigate damage and personal loss.
Did You Know? Flood insurance is typically not included in standard homeowner’s policies. It’s crucial to investigate separate flood insurance options, especially if you reside in a flood-prone area. The National flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides coverage options managed by FEMA.
Pro Tip: Always have an emergency kit ready, including essential documents, medications, water, and non-perishable food. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and emergency contact information. Staying informed through local news and emergency alerts is paramount during severe weather events.
Community support networks are invaluable during and after disasters. Initiatives like crowdfunding and donations to established charities play a vital role in helping individuals and families recover. Supporting these efforts, whether through financial contributions or volunteering time, strengthens community bonds and aids in rebuilding.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Milwaukee Floods
How can I help Milwaukee flood victims?
Many Milwaukee flood survivors have set up gofundme pages detailing their losses. You can also donate to established relief organizations like the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, the american Red Cross Wisconsin Region, and Feeding America eastern Wisconsin. Dialing 211 can connect you to local assistance programs.
What caused the widespread Milwaukee flooding?
A severe rainfall event, described as a 1,000-year flood, caused extensive flooding across Milwaukee and its surrounding areas over a weekend in August 2025. The heavy rains led to overwhelmed drainage systems and rising river levels.
Are most flood victims insured?
The majority of residents impacted by the Milwaukee floods reportedly do not possess flood insurance policies, leaving many without immediate financial recourse for their damages.
What kind of damage did the Milwaukee floods cause?
The floods caused significant property damage, including submerged and irreparable vehicles, water damage to homes, collapsed basement walls, and the loss of personal belongings and essential appliances. In some cases, homes have become uninhabitable.
Is government disaster aid available for the Milwaukee flood?
Financial assistance from local or federal government sources was pending in the aftermath of the floods, with requests for review of federal disaster aid having been made.
Has your community experienced similar flood events? Share your experiences and recovery tips in the comments below. Please share this article to help spread awareness and support for those affected by the Milwaukee floods.
