Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund contributes $440,000 for downpayment assistance
DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (June 26, 2023) –Gov. Andy Beshear joined Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region leaders, community partners and new homeowners to dedicate five new homes for survivors of the December 2021 tornadoes on Monday.
The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund contributed $440,000 for downpayment assistance. Donations can still be made to the fund here.
“At first light after the storms, I was in Western Kentucky. It was really hard to stand here and see the level of destruction in Dawson Springs, my dad’s hometown,” Gov. Beshear said. “But that day, we made a promise to the folks here that we would help rebuild every structure and every life. Today, we are keeping that promise again, as five incredible Kentucky families get the keys to their forever homes.”
Catholic Charities, Kentucky Sports Radio and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation also provided funds to support these new homes.
“Today, as Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region dedicates homes to five amazing families, we witness the power of compassion, resilience and community,” said Heath Duncan, executive director Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region. “These dedications stand as a testament to the unwavering spirit of Dawson Springs, as we rebuild and recover from the devastating tornado. With each nail hammered, each wall raised and each roof secured, we come together to rebuild not just houses, but also hope and dreams. Through Habitat’s tornado recovery efforts, we are shaping a brighter future, one home at a time, and ensuring that these families have a safe haven where they can thrive and flourish. Together, we are rebuilding lives, restoring faith and showing the world the strength that emerges when we stand shoulder to shoulder, united in love and support.”
“I feel so blessed in so many ways,” new Habitat homeowner Sallie Carlton said. “Throughout this experience, Habitat for Humanity and the volunteers have been amazing! We are forever grateful for our forever home.”
Launched just days after the tornadoes in December 2021, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has raised over $52 million with donations from over 150,000 individuals and businesses. The money raised has helped with funeral expenses for the families of the deceased, provided assistance to survivors approved for any amount of FEMA assistance and insured and uninsured homeowners and renters, provided assistance to local farmers and assistance with unmet needs through local long-term recovery groups. The remaining funds will be used to build houses. Visit TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov for more information.
In April 2022, through nonpartisan work with the General Assembly, Gov. Beshear also established the $120 million Western Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies, or (SAFE) Fund, to assist with tornado recovery.