It’s been over 2 ½ years since an EF-4 tornado ripped through Kentucky destroying lives and property for thousands of people impacted. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been working with the Presbytery and the communities on recovery effort since the storm hit in December 2021. PDA Director Rev Edwin Gonzalez and Rev Jim Kirk recently toured on-going recovery projects in Mayfield, Graves County, and Marshall County with Presbytery representatives Rev Bailey Pickens, Don Barger, and Ralph Young.
From our very first encounter, it was apparent that the recovery work has not been completed, commented PDA Director Gonzalez. Even though there are many that have returned to some degree of normalcy, there are still many others who are homeless, in temporary housing, and/or living day-to-day after the disaster.
The Camp Graves project in Mayfield and Graves County is one project that is making a difference. Through PDA and other funding Camp Graves has been able to place families in temporary housing until they can get back on their feet. Camp Graves is also working on restoring some damaged properties so that they can serve as temporary housing for families transitioning to permanent housing. Camp Graves is also going one step further organizing Job, Education, and Community Resource Fairs to help victims of the tornado and other disasters. These types of recovery programs go beyond first-responders and other organizations responding with help. It is this long-term recovery that PDA is best known for and it is on full display in the Presbytery of Western Kentucky. Financial support and volunteers are still needed. If you would like to help, please contact Karen Harris at the Presbytery office (270) 886-1279. [email protected]