Shapiro Admin. to Support Multi-Agency Resource Center for Those Affected by Severe Storms on August 20 in Lancaster County

Lancaster County officials are asking residents and business owners to report damage to the county to help determine what additional support may be available.

Harrisburg, PA – At the request of officials in Lancaster County, the Shapiro Administration will support a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) to assist individuals, families and businesses that lost belongings or sustained damage to property due to severe storms on Aug. 20. 

The devastating damages from the tornado produced by the storm will require agencies from all levels of government as well as charitable organizations to work together to help people recover. The MARC will bring together multiple organizations and government agencies in one location to make it easier for those who need help.

                                                       — Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield.

The MARC will be open on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St., Columbia PA 17512.

Hours & Location

Multiple county agencies and offices and other volunteer and community organizations will be available to provide local services. Pennsylvania state agencies scheduled to participate or provide information include:

  • PA Department of Human Services
  • PA Emergency Management Agency
  • PA Insurance Department

Some of the resources provided by organizations supporting the MARC include information on checking insurance coverage for damages, avoiding fraud or repair scams, benefits and disabilities support, community support services and other recovery information and resources available.

The MARC is open to all Lancaster County residents and business owners. Lancaster County is encouraging those whose home, business, or property sustained storm-related damage to report the damage to the online damage survey. You may also report the damage in person at the MARC on Wednesday. Your reports are critical in helping officials verify damage, prioritize recovery resources, document storm impacts, and evaluate potential state and federal disaster assistance should eligibility thresholds be met.

Those affected by the storms who have unmet, non-emergency needs can contact PA211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting 898-211, or via online chat at pa211.org to be connected with local resources.

Media Contacts

Ruth Miller

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency 717-651-2009
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Media

Jeff Jumper

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency 717-651-2018
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Media