Tornado victim wins new home in lottery on Sunday

A Selma woman whose home was swept away by the January 2023 tornado was the winner of a new home made possible by the Selma Housing Authority and the Black Belt Community Foundation. 

Tamicka Newberry was announced the winner of a lottery for the new home constructed by the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America during a drawing Sunday afternoon. 

The 1,450 square foot, factory-built home features nine-foot ceilings, an energy efficient heat pump and appliances. The home, located at 1426 Washington Street, is valued at $169,000.  

“Our collaboration with the [BBCF] is a cornerstone in our community revitalization efforts,” SHA CEO Randolph Kennard said. “Offering this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in a lottery to a tornado-affected family highlights our dedication to providing tangible support and rebuilding lives.”  

“Partnering with [SHA], City of Selma and NACA to provide a new home to victims of the Jan. 12, 2023,tornado exemplifies our commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing communities in the Black Belt region, starting here in Selma,” BBCF President Felecia Lucky said.“We believe that safe, affordable and energy-efficient housing is a fundamental right.”  

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. said on Facebook that “it is heartwarming to see partnership at work rallying around communities and storm survivors to rebuild a better Selma.” 

“Today was another testament to the resilience and solidarity within our community,” Perkins said.“The City of Selma is grateful to continue the work toward a vision realized that would not be possible without the investment and critical partnerships of the Selma Housing Authority, Black Belt Community Foundation and NACA.” 

BBCF is starting a fund to support the purchase of furniture and other items for Newberry to get settled into the new home. Checks can be made to BBCF, online at blackbeltfound.org or by cashapp at $BBCF2024.