Long term assistance is the mission of Disaster Recovery Committee

Established in 2008, committee has been dormant until disaster struck in Bremen

Recovery is underway in Bremen, after an EF4 tornado cut a swath nearly a mile wide and 17 miles long through the northern corner of Muhlenberg County on Dec. 10. There were 11 deaths, and 240 properties affected in the county, with an estimated $100 million in damages.

As those who were affected begin to move forward, the rebuilding process is likely to take months, if not longer. This is when the Muhlenberg County Long Term Disaster Recovery Committee steps in.

Formed after another tornado disaster in 2008, the MCLTDRC was created to have a committee in place, ready to quickly spring into action in the case of an emergency. Once a declaration of disaster is issued by government officials, whether at the county, state or federal level, the committee reconvenes.

Dormant for years, the group of 16 members from around the county and from a variety of backgrounds met just days after the tornado to begin the process of raising funds for longterm help.

The committee, lead by chairman Dr. Freddie Mayes, is working closely with government officials in Bremen, Central City and the county fiscal court to assess the longterm needs of those hit hardest by the storm.

Bremen Mayor Allen Miller, Central City Mayor Tony Armour, Bremen Volunteer Fire Department and Muhlenberg County Emergency Management have taken the lead during the immediate response, coordinating volunteers and helping those in need connect with services.

The outpouring of support from people near and far has been amazing, Miller said.

Crews from around the county showed up immediately after the tornado struck Bremen. After working through the night, clearing debris to access survivors, Miller said it was unlike anything he’d ever been through before.

“And then just to look at it when the sun came up the next morning – it’s just changed forever.”

After avenues such as private insurance, Red Cross and FEMA are exhausted, MCLTDRC is here to help fill in the gaps. The committee will continue to work closely with officials in Bremen to determine needs in the community.

Donations to the committee have poured in from across the country. Mayes said they have come from 22 states, ranging from $25 to tens of thousands. There have been more than 300 donations made, representing church groups, corporate donors and individuals as well.

“This is a testimony to the wide-spread love and support that exists in America for those in need,” Mayes said.

Immediate assistance has been overwhelming. Volunteers providing equipment and their time have helped clear away debris and salvage items from the wreckage. Food, clothing and household goods are available at several locations around Bremen and Central City. Donated gift cards have helped storm survivors with immediate needs.

As the community in Bremen moves into the second month of cleanup, Miller said he hears a hopeful sound. “When you walk around outside, you can see the destruction here,” Miller paused, “But then you hear the hammers, ringing out through the air as they’re rebuilding... It’s just awesome.”

Patty Williams is leading a group of volunteers through training to act as caseworkers for MCLTDRC. These caseworkers will assist those affected by the tornado as they navigate the many sources of funding and assistance available to them, and offer support and financial resources for needs not covered by other providers.

For those needing immediate supplies, there is a distribution center at Powers Chapel Church in South Carrollton. It is set up like a store and people who have been affected by the tornado can come and shop for what they need. The Central City Convention Center also has donated items available there.

The committee is made up of members from around the county, including people who work in the school district, the medical field, banking, insurance, city and county officials, social workers and church leaders. All work is done by volunteers, with no administrative cost. All donations go to the program, and the committee is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) charity.

Those affected by the tornado should complete a Disaster Relief Request Form with the Muhlenberg County Long Term Disaster Recovery Committee. Forms are available at Bremen Volunteer Fire Department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and at Central City Tourism Office at 200 North First Street, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration forms are also available online at the Muhlenberg County Water District #3 website at www.muhlenbergwater.com and on the MCLTDRC Facebook page.