The road to recovery after a disaster is a lengthy one, especially if you happen to be hit more than once. Our Operation Recovery field in Western Kentucky has spent the last two years helping rebuild after the December 2021 tornadoes, only to watch the area get hit again on Memorial Day 2024. Some residents were impacted by both tornadoes, forced to rebuild yet again.
Over Memorial Day weekend several tornadoes flew through western Kentucky, the largest of which was deemed an EF-3 at 160 mph winds. This tornado tore through Lyon, Caldwell, and Hopkins counties, very near to areas that were devastated in the December 2021 tornadoes. Neighbors and volunteers responded immediately to help those in need and donate necessary supplies to those affected.
Responding to Disasters
Our team in Western Kentucky was among those responding. In addition to their usual work, Dylan, Curtis, and Buddy coordinated with other organizations and the local government to assist in the relief effort. “There were 100+ winds across our county,” explained Dylan McGowan, Field Coordinator for Operation Recovery Western Kentucky. “And there are still so many trees down from that tornado.”
Once the extent of the damage and debris was realized, Dylan called dedicated groups to see if they would be willing to volunteer again in the relief effort. Dale Lowry from Impact Christian Church answered one of those calls and returned to the field with a skilled group of volunteers. The group was struck by the remaining damage months after the tornado, “The community still needs help. Lots of people are still displaced and in temporary housing and are facing a road to recovery.”
Helping Families
Through their continued presence in the community the Operation Recovery team has been able to serve individuals and families who might not have found help otherwise. Families who had recently moved to the area and didn’t know anyone yet, individuals without a support system, and couples who don’t have the skills or funds to fix their homes themselves.
One such individual is a woman named Kellie. Without anyone to assist her, she was still wary of outside help. Through patience and focusing on building trust, our team was eventually able to help her recover from the storm by clearing debris and repairing her home.
Help from Locals
Local businesses and nonprofits worked together and with CrossRoads to support the recovery efforts. “One of the many things we love about serving this community is how ready and willing local businesses/organizations are to help support our mission,” praised Dylan. “Community support is one of the things that allows us to do the work we do. The local community here has made our volunteers feel loved and appreciated, and without the support we’ve received, we wouldn’t be able to do the work we are still doing today. It’s a tremendous blessing to serve such a wonderful and helpful community.”
One such business is Morris Construction, who graciously lent the team their dump trailer on multiple occasions to remove large trees. Dylan continued, “Without it, there is no way we would have been able to move some of the tree debris that we’ve been working on. They have been a huge help to us and made it possible to provide the assistance we have.”
There is still debris to remove and homes to repair – will you be part of the recovery in Western Kentucky? Contact us to find out more!
