As we approach the one- year mark of the tornadoes that struck Lee County, we have some updated reports on where we stand in the recovery process.
Many people have self- recovered giving testimony to communities that were prepared and had safety nets in place. As we call and check in with families, this is what we continue hearing and are encouraged. Currently, this is what Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM) with the Alabama West Florida Conference (AWF) of the United Methodist Church and in partnership with MEND are working upon.
Our case managers are working with survivors who are in the process of repairing and rebuilding. For those who were renting, we continue working to help them find an affordable and stable rental solution.
Currently, we have completed 11 homes needing repairs and have 17 more in progress and 29 in the estimate stage. There are 13 more survivors getting in position to have their repairs or home replacements funded. Of the 13, there are approximately five that we are currently providing case management for who need to replace their homes. There are three housing rebuilding partners with whom we are working, Auburn Rural Studio, Fuller Center for Housing, and Mennonite Disaster Services. We are grateful to the funding partners who meet twice per month at the MEND funding table. There are representatives from the Community Foundation of East Alabama, Catholic Charities, East Alabama Medical Center, United Way, 10th Street Church of Christ, and several local churches in our area. They have given $113,858 for the cases we have presented and a total of $235,309 for all clients! This does not consider the value of 14 homes and furniture given by Samaritan’s Purse and the 18 homes built by the Fuller Center.
The volume of volunteers is staggering! Many groups continue coming to serve. Sixty- two separate volunteer groups amounting to 895 volunteers and 11,417 volunteer hours have served in Lee County. This equates to $238,000 in donated labor! This does not include several local churches in our area that have helped their neighbors and have done so quietly and without feeling the need to report their numbers. It points to churches and organizations that love Lee County and their neighbors!!!
What is left? Unfortunately, it is hard reaching everyone. Not everyone answers their phone or responds to our texts when we reach out to check and see how they are doing and their status. But, based upon those who do, we have made over 178 calls the past two months (and over 700 total). Many have self -recovered, many did not respond, but out of those numbers who did respond, approximately 20 have indicated needing more assistance. We still have about 80 more people to call and check on how they are doing and if they have recovered.
Volunteer groups are lined up through the summer! ARM will host groups coming in from several places around the United States including Penn State University, University of Alabama, Ohio, and more to love on our community. March will be a big month of Spring Break teams and summer teams. ARM owns a church and parsonage in Tuskegee, Alabama where we can host large groups. We have triple-decker-bunk beds, six showers, a fellowship hall with kitchen, and lots of space dedicated to these volunteers. A small warehouse recently acquired will allow for better material and tool storage. Our construction coordinators pack tool bins, purchase materials, and assist the volunteers on sites. There are other churches in our community that also host teams expanding our capacity!
Finally, we are looking forward to the ground- breaking of the Memorial in Beauregard on March 3rd at Providence Baptist Church. Smiths Station will also have a remembrance earlier that day. Stay tuned for details!
We appreciate all the help, the continued encouragement and seeing our community working and serving together. This is our way of extending the love of Jesus to others. It is an active expression of loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves!
If you know of people in Lee County that were in the tornado path and did not receive help or maybe have discovered they could use an extra hand, please let us know. Our focus currently is on those who filed for FEMA assistance. However, we will continue working with anyone in the tornado track and whose damage or home repair needs are directly related to the storm. Finally, if you would like to volunteer, we would love to have you! Our next work day is February 15th. You can email Andrew Baird at andrew@arm-al.org. Our number is 334-501-4276 ext. 500 or ext 600
We are encouraged each day and hope you are too!!!!
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