Deployment Update: Rolling Fork, MS
In mid June, we deployed two Members - Ellis and Dade- to Rolling Fork, Mississippi to help with long term recovery efforts following an EF-4 tornado that devastated the town. Ellis recaps what they have been up to this summer!
"At the request of St. Vincent de Paul Disaster Services Corporation Dade and I are serving as Survivor Advocates here in Rolling Fork, MS, which was hit by a high-intensity EF-4 Tornado back in March. With over 300 homes damaged or destroyed, our role is to meet with survivors, listen to their stories, and direct them to local resources as part of the long-term recovery of Rolling Fork. The Community Foundation of Washington County is in the process of supporting rebuild for homeowners, while a new local, non-profit Rolling Fork Build Back Better has begun constructing brand new homes and guiding renters through the process of becoming homeowners. We're privileged to support these local organizations as they work to rebuild Rolling Fork, and advocate for displaced families to return home."
"We've appreciated the trust of folks who have entrusted us with their stories and have been thankful for their strength and humor. Dade and I have also enjoyed exploring the backroads and swimming at nearby Eagle Lake, and of course eating one too many Chuck Burgers."
- Ellis Baril, ACSTL Emergency Response Team Member
Pastor Britt of Rolling Fork First Baptist Church has been our main Project Partner here. Pastor Britt works alongside a long term recovery group and helps run Rolling Fork Build Back Better, a local nonprofit committed to working with home renters who lost their homes during the Tornado and storm, to have the opportunity to purchase a newly built home at a much reduced rate. Many Survivors are still without permanent housing and have been living in hotels across the state. Pastor Britt's close relationship with many families in the community is appreciated and really helps our service work here by connecting us with Survivors.
We also had the privilege to serve with incoming Team Leads from AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Region stationed out of Vicksburg. We helped take part in cleanup efforts in Rolling Fork, additionally serving alongside around 40 local high school students and volunteers from Cajun Navy Disaster Relief.