The City of Dubuque has issued a call for volunteers to help local residents clean up their home’s after last week’s heavy rains and flash flooding. Most homes had flooded basements, while an entire mobile home park north of town was destroyed.

Dubuque Volunteer Services Coordinator Mary Bridget Corken is matching volunteers with people who have the greatest need. She says the program is focused on assisting elderly, disabled, and low-income residents first. Volunteers who can help people removed damaged items from homes, disinfect flooded basements and perform other chores are encouraged to call 563-690-6048.

“If anyone is willing to volunteer, even two hours of their day, any help is appreciated,” Corken said. Citizens of Dubuque can also call the same phone number to ask for help. Corken says, so far, there’s been no shortage of volunteers. One company in Dubuque offered a large group of its employees for a day of volunteer work.

“I’ve also had a couple of volunteers call from the Cedar Rapids area. One woman was saying ‘I was hit by a flood and I know what it’s like,’ so she’s planning to come Thursday,” Corken said. Dubuque County recorded 16 inches of rain in July. More than a foot of rain fell in the area last Wednesday and Thursday.