Although the excitement and chaos surrounding the April 3rd Tornado that hit Forney has calmed for most, there are still months of recovery ahead. The families affected are still dealing with the day-to-day inconveniences of being without a home, loss of possessions, and the emotional toll inflicted on their families. These hardships are something the victims will not soon forget.
Although the excitement and chaos surrounding the April 3rd Tornado that hit Forney has calmed for most, there are still months of recovery ahead. The families affected are still dealing with the day-to-day inconveniences of being without a home, loss of possessions, and the emotional toll inflicted on their families. These hardships are something the victims will not soon forget.
The residents of the city of Forney have really done a great job pulling together and helping to speed the recovery efforts. Most volunteer work has ceased in the Diamond Creek area and insurance companies and contractors have taken over the responsibilities of rebuilding our torn neighborhoods.
What most don't know is that there are still some families struggling with picking up the pieces. Families without insurance, renters without renter's insurance, new home additions and household belongings not covered on insurance plans, and the dreadful lodging expenses. Some families stuck in hotels without adequate kitchens are having to eat out or order in for every meal.
Some local residents are still helping to pick up the slack. Heather Turner has been helping organize meals for families displaced at Best Western by placing family meal schedules on FoodTidings.com. “The turn-out has been great, people in Forney are amazing!!”, said Heather. Heather is a resident of Diamond Creek that was home when the tornado struck. The meal plans originally started out by helping a friend and neighbor, but soon turned into much more as people showed interest in helping and more families were in need. Heather can be contacted at 214-796-4209 for any questions or for ways to help out.
Forney.Recovers.org is still being used to help match donations with families in need. Updates about families needs and upcoming volunteer information is posted there and on Facebook's Forney Disaster Relief page. The page has also been updated to include a Paypal link that will donate directly to the Forney Disaster Relief Fund. This Paypal link can also be found on inForney.com on the top right of every page.
For families or businesses that have other financial needs other than those being provided by donations and the Forney Disaster Relief Fund, the Small Business Administration (SBA) may be an option.The SBA is providing low interest rates of 1.875% and terms up to 30 years with residential loan amounts up to $200,000. The deadline to apply is June 18, 2012. Forney residents may visit the Forney Police Department at 110 Justice Center Drive, Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm to apply.
Forney Uniform Supply, inside Forney Sports Center, is also selling commemorative shirts donning the text, "One Heart, One Community, Forney Strong, 4.3.12". These shirts can be purchased for $15 with proceeds going to the Forney Disaster Relief Fund.
Although there have been many great events, with more events upcoming to help raise money for the families affected, what has been raised so far is only a fraction of what is still needed. Forney is a strong community moving in the right direction on the path to recovery.
