Neighborhood Development Annual Report FY18-19

Yolanda & Kenley’s Story

Storm Recovery Alliance

April 2018’s tornado that cut a 34-mile path through Greensboro affected many residents who have since rebuilt their lives, with a hand-up from our community. Soon after the storm, it became obvious that long-term recovery plans were needed, as was the coordination of all the agencies and organizations who had committed to help. That is how the Storm Recovery Alliance (SRA) was formed, led by our department. SRA reached out to families who were rehoused after the tornado to offer them homeownership counseling under our Housing Connect GSO program and the option of buying one of the repaired or newly constructed homes. SRA agencies have also purchased abandoned or vacant properties and lots and are building new single-family homes in the area. In March 2019, we created the Tornado Disaster Recovery Program to continue to address storm-damaged property owned by residents who had been unable to receive help otherwise. Qualified contractors have been repairing and reconstructing damaged property and building new homes in the tornado-impacted neighborhoods. Our continuing goal is to reinvest in that area through affordable homeownership and improved housing quality…turning what was a storm disaster area into a vibrant, thriving community.

Photo by Ivan Saul Cutler, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro

Homeowners Yolanda and Kenley Harris lived in their east Greensboro home for 20 years before the tornado hit in April 2018. The devastating storm uprooted trees that destroyed their roof, left them without electricity, and eventually caused so much mold that it was no longer safe for the couple to live there. The Harris couple was forced to move into a local hotel, and eventually into other temporary housing. Out of the Storm Recovery Alliance came a partnership between us, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro, and Mt Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro to help them and other storm victims with home repairs and restoration. Crews of volunteers, family and friends worked to get the site of the Harris home ready. In the meantime, Habitat for Humanity provided a temporary home for the couple while they wait for their new home. The house is under construction and the couple will be able to move into their new home in February.

Photo by Ivan Saul Cutler, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro