GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Greene County Long-Term Recovery Group’s goal is to give back the quality of life to those affected by the May 16th tornado. Chair for the long-Term Recovery Group, Michelle Ellis, explains why this group is so important.
“The community is still in need. We’re starting to see the long-term of the storm with homelessness, we’re gonna see some crime rise, we’re gonna see depression. There were quite a few homes, over 27 destroyed 50 some damaged and they are just trying to bet back to their normal lives and need help to do that,” said Ellis.
Ellis also says they need more people who can devote time and effort to participating as a member of their group or its subcommittees and be a helping hand for families.
The group also needs volunteers. One example they gave was helping a disabled man move his belongings out of his devastated home and into his new home. Shari Lewis is a consultant and advisor for future needs of the long-term recovery group as the health department and acting deputy ema. She stresses how impactful volunteering can be.
“It’s always good in this world to pay it forward. you may have experienced a disaster or a loss yourself. sometimes you get wanna help others you know that’s the point of a community is to be here for each other,” said Lewis.
The community changes constantly. At the beginning, a family may need a roof over their heads, but then realize they need other items such as hygiene products, bedding, and a mattress.
The long-term recovery group urges community members to lend a helping hand.
Join them at their next meeting on Tuesday, July 22nd at 6pm. at the Greene County Foundation in Bloomfield, IN.
