Restoration efforts are underway for the university and impacted areas. Details on the flood impacts are available at emergency.wustl.edu. Please refer to the emergency conditions policy for details on work arrangements and managing employee and operational needs.
WashU Flood Crisis Fund
WashU’s Flood Crisis Fund was created to assist Washington University employees and students who were impacted and incurred financial costs directly related to the flooding the region experienced July 25-29 and Aug. 3-5. The limited funding pool was allocated based on need. Benefits-eligible employees and eligible students can submit an application to be considered for financial assistance – a one-time payment (up to $1,000) to help cover eligible essential expenses, which include housing assistance, transportation allowance, childcare costs, food and grocery, and remediation services.
The application window is now closed. The final deadline to submit an online application was Sept. 9 at 5 p.m.
Expenses that have already been submitted for reimbursement or have already been reimbursed or covered by external organizations, such as insurance companies or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will not be eligible for funding requests.
Employee Assistance through Work-Life Solutions
The university’s employee assistance program (EAP), Work-Life Solutions, is a benefit available to WashU employees and household members at no cost. Work-Life Solutions has many resources available to assist employees who are experiencing flooding, such locating shelter, finding repair contractors or care items, as well as tips for cars damaged by flooding, returning home after flooding and cleaning after flooding. WashU’s EAP can also connect employees to community resources for help with matters such as stress, home repair, transportation, and fiscal counseling.
Find EAP’s GuidanceResources below:
Note: You must be logged into GuidanceResources ComPsych to view content. You can create a new account online by visiting Guidance Resources and using the web ID: WASHU. PDF versions are available in Box.
- Returning to Your Home After a Flood
- Tips for Cars Damaged by Flooding
- Mold and Dampness
- Coping Emotionally After a Disaster
United Healthcare also provided information for employees specific to coping after a natural disaster (PDF).
Family Care Support
You can also find emergency back-up child or adult care on the Family Care Hub if you are experiencing temporary loss of care.
For additional assistance, please contact our Child and Family Care Facilitator, Lisa Eberle-Mayse.
Mental Health Support
WashU employees and their family members can access mental health support through multiple channels. Work-Life Solutions provides employees five (5) free sessions for a single issue. You can also schedule a mental health appointment with WashU’s Department of Psychiatry, which offers lower copays or coinsurances for employees enrolled in one of WashU’s health plans. Find additional support on the Mental Health Hub.
Mindfulness practices from Meg Krejci, wellness consultant
“First take a moment to acknowledge the emotions, the thoughts of overwhelm, and sense into the body with several deep breaths, and sensing into your feet– a short practice attached. After restoring a sense of grounded-ness (feet on the ground), calm and courage, move into action.
Action is the best antidote to overwhelm. And, from a place of calm alertness you are better able to move into appropriate action, rather than a chaotic reactivity that might lead to more overwhelm. And, of course, ask for help – the community and family are here for you. Please take good care – you got this!”
Below is a meditation you can engage in now to help reset and ground yourself.
Community Resources
Community support is being offered by several local agencies and national agencies with local chapters for those impacted by flooding, including: