Tornado survivors to get donated homes before the holidays
Photo: Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi president Keith Fulcher and Boss Lady Economic Planning and Development executive director Dr. Pam Chatman at an August presentation of donated mobile homes to Rolling Fork tornado survivors. (Courtesy photo)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that seven families affected by the March 2023 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes in the Rolling Fork area will receive donated mobile home units, making them homeowners, at a ceremony on Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and local donors have been active in funding new homes for tornado survivors since the tornadoes struck the area.
The new donation ceremony will be held at Dukes Mobile Home Park, 25726 U.S. Highway 61 in Anguilla. Retired Brig. Gen. Samuel Nichols, Jr. and his wife, Linda, donated more than $28,000 that will be used towards purchasing the homes for the families.
General Nichols is an alumnus of Mississippi State University where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, was a football standout and member of the ROTC. A Biloxi native, he served the United States through his distinguished, 36-year military career before retiring.
“Like many survivors of severe weather events, these families have had tremendous losses,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Craig Levy. “This includes housing and financial losses and the stress that type of hardship causes. General and Mrs. Nichols’ generosity will give these families the stability of permanent housing and help relieve that stress. This is an indescribable gift during the holiday season.”
During the ceremony, Dr. Pam Chatman, executive director of Boss Lady Economic Planning and Development, and partners, Keith Fulcher, president of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, and NFL legend Archie Manning and his wife Olivia will be recognized for their support. The group has worked tirelessly to help disaster survivors become homeowners — many for the first time.
