The city and community of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, is still recovering from an EF4 tornado that destroyed much of the town in March 2023. A complete recovery process will likely take years, but residents and leaders are proud of the progress and optimistic about the future. Organizations and people from far and wide have brought attention to rebuilding efforts and keeping them thriving.
Good Morning America (GMA) launched the “Mississippi Strong” series in April 2023 to highlight the city’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. The community and others have helped displaced families, rebuild homes and businesses, and restore the town’s history. Since day one, countless nonprofits have rallied in Rolling Fork to meet acute and long-term needs. Mississippi Food Network has been on the ground providing food along with other charities.. GMA also helped donate lumber to nonprofits like Rolling Fork Rising.
Rolling Fork Rising is a nonprofit helping displaced families find permanent housing. Approximately 68% of the residents of Rolling Fork (before the tornado) were renters. Renters after a disaster are an especially vulnerable population due to a lack of affordable housing options. Rolling Fork Rising works with renters who lost their homes to help them purchase a newly built house at a reduced rate. Future homeowners not only put in sweat equity with hands-on hours of building their future home but also go through workshops, such as financial literacy, to better prepare them for successful homeownership. Two homes have been completed, and a third one is in progress.
Another partnership is coming together and committed to helping those displaced renters have the opportunity to become homeowners. Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi will assist Dr. Pam Chatman’s nonprofit Boss Lady Economic Planning Development and Former NFL Philanthropist Archie Manning in making dreams come true for some of the 2023 Tornado disaster families.
“When Archie Manning contacted the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi offering to help tornado victims in Rolling Fork, my first call was to Pam Chatman,” said Keith Fulcher, President of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. “Archie and Pam have remained committed to long-term recovery efforts, now focusing on housing needs. The Community Foundation is honored to be part of the team.”
Rolling Fork Mayor Butch Walker, along with Jacqueline Hughes with the city of Rolling Fork Disaster Task Force, has been assisting them with connecting with the families. The first three families will receive their new home in August 2024.
“I am so grateful to own my own home. The struggle to make it has been hard for me and so many others, not knowing where or how we are going to live from day to day. Then along comes this angel, Boss Lady!!” says new home owner Miriam Flood.
