MAYFIELD, Ky. (WSIL) --- People are volunteering with Samaritan's Purse to build houses for those who lost their homes in the tornado.
New Hope Acres in Mayfield is a housing subdivision for people who lost their homes in the tornado that destroyed some of the town in 2021.
New Hope Acres in Mayfield is a housing subdivision for people who lost their homes in the tornado that destroyed some of the town in 2021.
Tim Cottrell is the project's Superintendent. He says all the people who will get a new home, are now first-time home owners.
“There was such a large majority of people that were renters, apartments, and rental homes that were just devastated by the storm that we had so much outpouring of love and support for the community,� Cottrell said.
The families had to participate in a 6-week financial course to help the first-time homeowners with financial management and disaster recovery. Plus, all of the houses will be fully furnished.
“And so every lot in this subdivision has a name attached to it. So there are many people eagerly awaiting for their home to start,� Cottrell said.
Tasha Hayes is one of the residents, and she says her family is still getting used to their new home. Hayes recalls being at home with 8 family members during the tornado.
â€We were all on the floor. I had my daughter, and my grandson in the closet, and it was just like trains coming in. It was, it was a terrifying moment. Very terrifying,â€� Hayes said.
Hayes says they get worried when they hear about severe weather in the area.
“There's that anxiety that creeps up in, you know, but it also brings us a sense of comfort in knowing that the home that we now are in, our home, we have a safe room in there,� Hayes said.
All the homes that have been built with Samaritan's Purse have storm shelters.
“There is a safe room that will withstand an EF-5 tornado right in the middle of it that serves as a bathroom and laundry room combination that is encircled with concrete and steel,� Cottrell said.
Hayes says she welcomed a lot of her family to her home over Thanksgiving.
"So, you know, to show off my new home and say, I'm a homeowner, this is our home. It was really good. It gave me good feelings,� Hayes said.
Cottrell says this house behind me should be done by the end of January. And all 60 houses are expected to be built by next September.
