Alabama church volunteers help rebuild houses after deadly EF-3 tornado

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mLCZJgHvwM

PETAL, MS. - R3SM a long term disaster recovery non-profit organization is teaming up with church volunteers from New Oregon United Methodist Church from Fort Payne, Alabama this week to help rebuild houses that were damaged from the EF-3 tornado in January.

Church members are working on houses in the Petal area. Alfred Brown and his wife live right off Highway 42. The couple lost the roof of their house during the tornado.

“The entire roof was blown off of this house. Pretty much in one piece, lifted up and thrown into his backyard" said Chris Adams, R3SM Volunteer Coordinator.

Since the tornado Brown and his wife have been displaced separately. Adams said, “Not only are they displaced, but they are displaced separately, so how sad is that.”

Mission Coordinator Jeff Boatwright said every year the church helps rebuild at least one house for their annual mission trip. “We feel like its our purpose as called by Christ, we have been doing a mission trip every year to build a house" said Boatwright.

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Adams said the church's annual mission helps those who are displaced. “I know they need these trusses put on so they can get back in their house, and that is what we are here to do" Boatwright said.

Church volunteers will rebuild a home on Byrd Avenue in Petal on Tuesday.