Columbus residents come together one week after tornado

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s been one week since a tornado barreled through Columbus leaving many people behind with nothing.

A little over a week ago, 20th street in Columbus was home to a fully functional school and community center.

Today, the roads are lined with debris and what’s left of people’s homes and businesses.

In the midst of all the chaos…there’s hope.

“It’s amazing to me and I’m just elated as mayor to see how the citizens have come together, how the golden triangle community has come together to assist the citizens of Columbus,” said Columbus Mayor Robert Smith.

Even one week after the storm, dozens of volunteers from Union Star Missionary Baptist Church in West Point gathered at the old Hunt High School to help serve hot meals to those affected by last Saturday’s tornado.

“We are here to let the people know that we care about them, and we want to do a small part in helping them,” said Reverand John Avant.

“There’s no reason that any citizen that was victimized by the tornado or the flood to say that they haven’t had an opportunity to eat a good meal,” said Smith.

Volunteers said it’s all about coming together as one in times of crisis.

“Our goal is to try to bring people together. You know, let them know that there is a God…This food will last for a day, but spiritual help… it’s going to last forever,” said Avant.

Smith said he hopes the steady stream of volunteers will provide a small comfort to tornado victims as the city begins to rebuild.

“We started yesterday, as far as removing some of the debris. As far as the trees and debris, we’re moving it out of the way so that the citizens can get to their homes… Hopefully, by the middle of next week we’ll have MEMA and FEMA in here assisting the citizens,” said Smith.

Until then, volunteers, as well as those effected, will continue to lean on one another. Just one neighbor, helping another.