Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri’s journey to recovery after the Bollinger County tornado
On April 5, 2023, a tornado struck Bollinger County, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, numerous injuries and widespread property destruction. Despite the storm’s severity, Missouri did not declare a state of emergency due to the localized nature of the damage, leaving fewer resources and funds available for those affected. Bollinger County is very rural and low-income and faced significant challenges after the tornado. Out of the 118 families impacted, 89 were homeowners, but only 46 had insurance, and those with insurance struggled to pay the deductibles.
CDP’s Midwest Early Recovery Fund supported Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSOMO) in providing continuous disaster case management services to ensure long-term stability for the affected families. CCSOMO’s efforts had a substantial impact, addressing immediate needs and fostering ongoing recovery. At a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) event hosted in the community, case managers assisted 80 families with immediate resources. Follow-up services were provided to all 118 affected families, connecting them with essential resources to rebuild their lives and communities.
The USDA EWP Recovery Buyout program provides financial assistance to help landowners relocate after disasters. Delays can occur due to funding shortages or lengthy administrative processes. Despite delays with the program, which caused extended wait times for cleanup and repairs, CCSOMO successfully conducted outreach, screenings and intakes, providing immediate relief with essential supplies. This grant had a profound impact not only on the community but also on CCSOMO as an organization. The efforts in Bollinger County led to additional funding from the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, allowing CCSOMO to continue assisting with rent and home repairs.
CDP is proud to support CCSOMO’s work in disaster recovery. They’ve laid a strong foundation for ongoing assistance by providing immediate relief and long-term support. The partnerships and additional funding secured through this project will further benefit Bollinger County, ensuring families have the resources to recover and thrive.