R3SM gives positive update on homes after January tornado

HATTIESBURG, MS. - R3SM a long term disaster recovery non-profit organization met at the Jackie Dole Center Thursday.

Officials with the "Unmet Needs Committee" gave a positive update about the homes that were destroyed or partially damaged by the deadly E-F3 tornado in January.

Since the tornado R3SM has funded 34 homes through the Great Pine Belt Community Foundation. Chris Adams, R3SM Volunteer, said out of the 34 homes, 14 are rebuilds and the rest are repairs.

The Pine Belt Community Foundation said its raised over $700,000 for disaster repairs and rebuilds with R3SM.

Adams said, "We assist those who are unable to recover on their own." She added, "So they are either uninsured or under-insured, they just do not have other resources, there is no one else who can assist them.”

During the meeting R3SM also reviewed different cases of other homes that were affected by the tornado.

Adams said a church from Alabama will meet in Petal Monday to start construction.