GRIFFIN, Ga. — Volunteer organizations are still active a year after tornados ravaged Griffin and Spalding County, and now those organizations could also use some help.
The Spalding County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster’s tornado relief fund is down to $7,000, far short of what’s needed to assist victims of the January 12, 2023, storm that have fallen through the cracks.
A year later, some storm victims are living in homes severely damaged by the storms.
“Their homes are not safe and secure, not sanitary,” said Katie Pasch of Lutheran Disaster Response, one of the organizations working under the Spalding County VOAD. “We think initially there are thirty to fifty homes like this.”
Lutheran Disaster Response and the United Methodist Committee on Relief are two of the major partners in the area’s long term recovery effort. The concern now is victims who had little or no insurance.
Carsandra Favors had insurance, but her family has yet to start rebuilding the family home they lost. Thieves rubbed salt in the wounds opened by last January’s devastating tornados.
“They came and took all the copper out of the air conditioner and a few days later they took the whole air conditioner,” said Favors.
Carsandra and her siblings used money from insurance to clear the debris left when the house collapsed.
Among the challenges they’ve faced is finding good affordable contractors to rebuild the home that was once a family gathering spot.
“On Sunday, we would come out and celebrate,” said Favors. “Still can’t believe it happened. It hurts, it really does.”
Over the past year, non-profits and church groups used more than $100,000 in donations to help struggling families.
“This is long-term recovery,” said Pasch. “We expect to be maybe the next three or four years. We’re here and going to be here until the last person is served.
Carsandra Favors has no idea when her family will be able to start rebuilding.
“This too shall pass,” said Favors. “We’ll get over it and do the best we can.”
Time heals wounds.
A year later, volunteer groups are still giving their time until the hurting stops.