Selma’s Long-Term Recovery Group turned over the keys to four new homes to owners whose houses were destroyed by the Jan. 12, 2023 tornado.
Special ceremonies were held March 25 and 26 on the front porch of each new home. The homes are new builds on lots once occupied by houses that were too storm damaged to repair.
The homes are on Martin Luther King Street in one of the Selma neighborhoods that was hit hardest by the tornado. LTRG Chairman Jay Gilmer called this “a milestone for the long-term recovery effort in Selma.”
Gilmer said many home repairs are occurring as well as new construction. “Based on FEMA numbers, there were somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 to 500 individuals who most needed assistance,” Gilmer said. “To date we have helped over 200.”
Along with 14 new builds, there are over 75 major repairs and “well over 100 minor repairs,” he said.
Gilmer said the two homes on Martin Luther King Street were funded by the United Way. Local United Way Director Jeff Cothran said the recovery would not be possible without donors, including International Paper, who donated $100,000. About $600,000 has been raised for tornado recovery in this area, Cothran said.
The labor to build both houses was donated by the Mennonite Disaster Service also known as Disaster Aid Ohio.
“They have poured resources and more importantly poured love into our community,” Gilmer said. “They are not only the humblest, but also some of the hardest working folks.”
Bud Mitchell of UMCORP, the organization that makes sure tornado victims qualify for help from the LTRG, said the houses "are some of the strongest built houses in Selma.” The houses meet Miami-Dade building codes, which are some of the toughest in the country.
The first house to be turned over to the owner was 1515 Martin Luther King St. Owner Monica Holman was happy and visibly moved by all of the love shown to her during what was a tough time.
“I’m excited,” Holman said. “I thank God for making a way out of no way. He brought me back home.”
She also said she was thankful for the Mennonite Disaster Service team and everyone who made her new home possible.
The second home was just one house away at 1509 Martin Luther King St. Owner Rosie Reid said, “I can’t even say anything, just that I’m so grateful. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life. Everybody was so good to me, and I am so thankful to the Lord.”
Both owners were presented with a wall hang and a Bible by the Mennonite team. The Bible was signed by everyone who worked on the homes.
Monday the first two homes were turned over to the owners. Tuesday two more were turned over to their owners. And these are just the first four. Gilmer reported, “Between the work done by Samaritan's Purse and the Mennonite Disaster Relief team, there will be a total of 14 new builds primarily in this neighborhood.”
The LTRG still has a long way to go, according to Gilmer. Most of the donations have been local. The volunteer labor has helped stretch their dollars, but he said they still need more donations to be able to help more victims.
If anyone wants to donate, they can go to www.selmaltrg.com
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