On the Road to Recovery: A Tornado Update from Habitat Monroe County

On May 16, a tornado swept through Monroe County, causing significant damage—including the complete destruction of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County’s storage warehouses. While we lost tools, materials, ReStore donations, 2 work trucks, and a storage trailer, we are incredibly grateful that no one was present at the time and that our neighborhoods were not harmed.

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Kenny Blackwell’s team, the site was cleared within a week. We salvaged what we could, have submitted insurance claims, and have started to replace lost equipment. Thanks to Randy Cassady, we have a temporary storage space for our things – and we hope to move into a more permanent solution soon. Our damaged truck was repaired, and this week we excitedly purchased a “new-to-us” work truck that’s even better suited to our daily needs than the one we lost.

The outpouring of support from our community has been incredible. Your donations helped us cover our insurance deductibles, replace essential tools and materials, and most importantly—feel the strength and solidarity of those who stand with us in times of crisis. Thank you for being part of our recovery.

Beyond our own rebuilding, Wendi has taken an active role in MoCOAD (Monroe County Organizations Active in Disaster), working alongside local partners to support individuals and families facing more severe losses—especially those whose homes were damaged or destroyed. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has the support they need to recover and rebuild.

We’re still here, building—thanks to you.

If you’d like to learn more about our ongoing recovery or how to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

—The Habitat Monroe County Team