Columbus tornado victims still in need of assistance

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Many of the homes directly impacted by the February tornado are unlivable.

Even though repair work is underway, simple things such as power, remain a distant dream.

No power, no water, and for many no roof standing.

Nearly three months after a powerful tornado ripped through Columbus, homes are still in disrepair.

“We was waiting on FEMA to come. FEMA never really showed up,” said Margaret Bobo.

Programs like Community Recovery of Lowndes County have stepped up to help out when insurance, along with state and federal agencies, can’t assist storm victims.

“People need their homes repaired and rebuilt, and they are also in need of emotional and support spiritual care. These are all ways that CRLC wants to help meet the needs of survivors,” said Aislinn Kopp.

Margaret Bobo bought her house in February and didn’t have insurance when the tornado struck.

Since the storm, she’s been on her own.

“You still have inspections that need to be done, and with the city, it’s like three inspections, and right now that’s why I’m here now. I’ve got to get that inspection done, the lights back on, the gas back on,” said Bobo.

CRLC wants to help homeowners like Bobo get the assistance they need.

“We know that at least 75 families and individuals have been affected have already begun the process. We are hoping to be able to assist folks that are renting or that we’re renting and need to be relocated we are also would like to start the process of repair and rebuilding for homeowners,” said Kopp.

Storm victims must sign up with a case manager. The application is presented anonymously to a committee for review.

For folks like Bobo, they’ll continue working until more help arrives.

“Well, we couldn’t do anything for the first month and a half because of debris. We couldn’t get to the house. So we got the roof done, the windows repaired, the ceilings repaired, the floors, and we right now are painting, and I’m getting the furniture up to par, so it looks nice for Mother’s Day as a present,” said Bobo.

Aislinn Kopp said CRLC is in for the long haul. As long as you can prove you were impacted by the storm, help will be provided.