Tornado update 6-4-25

It has been just over two weeks since the devastating tornado ripped through London KY. Our association and others around the commonwealth and beyond have been working tirelessly in the initial recovery effort. With that said, I am seeing a shift from initial clean up to short term recovery process. What I am meaning by short term recovery is that, displaced people are finding places to stay and are beginning to normalize their lives. This doesn't mean things are normal, but that new rhythms of daily living is being established. People are still without things like cars, furniture, their own structures etc... but shelter, food and sense of community needs are being met.

Our association is gathering intel on the displaced families that do not have family they can stay with or means of renting something. What we have discovered is that approximately 40 people are at Levi Jackson park in 16 camping trailers. We have discovered that there are 4 camping trailers at the Farm RV park. The Super 8 motel has 1 displaced family staying. The Red Roof Inn has 8 families. The Econo Lodge has 15-20 rooms occupied and still yet the Baymont has 20-25 families. This is what we know now, but there are more we haven't confirmed numbers on.

I share this with you because it is an opportunity for our churches to work and serve the families that are displaced and help them attain the things that were lost. I am having daily conversations with community leaders about the next steps towards rebuild and long-term recovery. Our city has been working with the Hope Initiative (began from the Mayfield Tornado) there is a task-force assembled that will aid in the rebuild efforts here in London. That initiative is called "Hope for London". I believe that this task-force will be a key to getting London families back in homes to call their own.

So what can we do now? We can continue to pray for the displaced families, and look for creative ways to serve them and meet their needs. We can volunteer our time and skills to serve others, and we can also give generously to credible organizations that will serve the people with those resources. I'm always interested in having discussions with people that want to serve. Feel free to contact me for a dialogue of how we can better serve together.