CEDAR FALLS -- Marc Harrington's flood insurance prevented him from getting assistance from the federal government following last month's disaster, and the Red Cross could only offer him $80 in aid.

Then the North Cedar man heard about Our Shepherd's Closet, a local relief agency set up to provide housewares for people displaced by this summer's natural disasters. Harrington, who has been living in a 24-foot camper since floodwaters destroyed his home, left his first visit to the organization's Cedar Falls office with a food dehydrator, new dishes and silverware.

"It was spiritually uplifting to have people that you don't even know actually care enough to try to help you out," said the blues musician, who has since donated a computer and stove to the agency. "If you have floodwater go through your house, your life's just turned upside down."

This week, Our Shepherd's Closet moved to 4045 Hammond Ave., the former site of Waterloo's Evan's Furniture. The new space will allow the organization to store more donations, thus helping more disaster victims, said founder Becky King. The agency was set to reopen Friday.

"When people come in here the first time, they're really hopeless," King said. "We always work on getting something in their hands that they can use right away, and they leave here filled with hope. It's an incredible thing to see."

Our Shepherd's Closet distributes clothing, personal care items, bedding, lamps, chairs, baby supplies and other items to those affected by the recent tornado or floods. Clients can put their name on a waiting list for larger items like washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, sofas and beds.

All goods are free of charge, but recipients must bring identification and proof of disaster victim status from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be applicable for services.

Our Shepherd's Closet officially formed five weeks ago, though King was involved with relief efforts in New Hartford starting the day after the tornado. She was already concerned about the number of houses destroyed by the twister, when June's floods forced more Cedar Valley residents from their homes.

"At that point, I knew we needed to do something more permanent," said King, who plans to keep her organization open for at least three years.

King, along with Cedar Valley residents Beth Wion, Connie Frankhauser, Janet Bradley and Diane VanEman, head up the agency. About 30 volunteers help organize the donated goods and assist visitors. Early clients received bouquets of fresh-cut flowers, courtesy of Petersen & Tietz Florists in Waterloo.

Our Shepherd's Closet has received donations from across the country. In the next few weeks, King expects two semi trailers full of goods to arrive -- one from Wisconsin and one from Tennessee.

And although King and her cohorts say it's tough to see the suffering of storm victims up close and personal, they agree that having the resources to make life better for their neighbors is uplifting.

"It's the greatest thing in the world to be a part of this process," Wion said. "It's hard to fathom all that they've lost, but it feels good to be the one to help them put it back together."

Contact Mary Stegmeir

at (319) 291-1482 or

mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.