MATC students still recovering from historic flooding

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of Milwaukee Area Technical College students were impacted from August's historic flooding and are still trying to get back on their feet.

"It's been hard, students have faced just unimaginable circumstances," said Executive Director Bria Burris of MATC FAST Fund.

While a new school year is back in session, Burris says they are seeing a huge increase of applications from students in need of assistance.

"Just over the last three weeks we've had over 500 applicants, ranging in everything from car repairs to home repairs, appliance replacements, food, just needing the essentials."

The MATC FAST Fund helps students facing financial emergencies.

"Just needing the essentials for clothes, money to wash at laundromats because everything was molded after the floods," said Burris. "So, we're just continuing to work with the community and students to build partnerships that’s going to meet their needs."

To expand their reach, the group is partnering with the Sherman Park Grocery Store, providing students with pre-paid cards to the store for fresh produce and food.

Something students like Breana Weakly, says makes a huge difference.

"It was just a blessing, just knowing that my school had my back during this time,” said Weakly.

Left displaced from the flooding and worried about where her next meal will come from, all while trying to focus on school and work.

"It not only messes with school, it also messes with your mental." said Weakly. "It’s very stressful, there's been times I wanted to drop out."

MATC students impacted by the flooding can contact the FAST Fund at 414-522-4017 to learn more about the limited supply of food cards that will be available.