“As an organization, we want to be making sure that we have helped as many people as possible,” said Matt Carlson, co-chairman of the organization. “With the year anniversary behind us, it is important to be mindful of completing the work from last April and focus on work from the March 2 storms.”
Long-Term Recovery Organization director Jim Polier reflected the time was near recently.
In a statement to the Banner, Polier said LTRO has coordinated the repairs of hundreds of homes as well as performed six complete rebuilds.
Partnerships through the Bradley Baptist Association, Church of God Men and Women of Action and so many others nationally and locally have aided in the efforts at recovery.
“The volunteers, locally and from other states such as Florida and South Carolina, have been phenomenal,” Polier said.
“We appreciate everything and all the hard work performed which has helped to rebuild our community,” he said.
Multiple tornadoes on April 27 caused millions of dollars in damage and loss and killed nine people in Bradley County.
LTRO was established shortly after the storms to help the community recover.
Polier said at least three more complete home rebuilds are in the works for this year and should round out the aid from the April 27 response.
LTRO will also remain focused on anyone needing aid from the March 2 tornado which destroyed several homes and caused damage to others, but didn’t cause nearly as much devastation as the April 27 events which lasted hour upon hour that day.
Cleveland Cleanup and Cleveland Action Network continue to aid in cleaning up debris such as brush and fallen trees. Over 300 volunteers came to the aid during a community-based Day of Service on April 28 ... one year after the storms.
A number of special events and memorials last month on the anniversary were dedicated to those who died and those who came to help.
Those in the community who still have needs from the April storms and wish to register should contact Lisa Mantooth with the LTRO at 423-479-2020 before the May 31 deadline.
