By JEFFERSON WEAVER
Staff Writer
They won’t be ready for Christmas, but some of the families affected by the Riegelwood tornado will celebrate spring in new homes.
Richard Brunson, of the state office of the Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief, confirmed Thursday that two families have been approved for rebuilding projects, and three more are pending.
Carey Fleming, who is heading up operations in Riegelwood, said individual needs are being assessed by the Riegelwood Disaster Response Committee.
“All the case studies haven’t been completed,” Fleming said. “We have a number of requests that are being evaluated, but construction on any of the projects won’t begin until at least after Christmas.”
Fleming said the group is ready to get to work as soon as everything is in place.
“We are ready to start building some homes,” he said. We just don’t know how many yet.”
The Baptist Men will also be joined by a similar group with the United Methodist Church, and other volunteers are welcome, Fleming said.
“We won’t turn anyone away who wants to help,” he said. “Any organization that wants to help will have the opportunity.”
Even though construction can’t start before the end of the year, Fleming said the group hasn’t been idle.
In addition to helping cleanup efforts, distribution of food and other supplies, and providing counseling for storm victims, volunteers are working nine-hour days, six days a week, assembling supplies.
A warehouse has been rented in Riegelwood to store donated building materials, Fleming said. More hands are welcome at the warehouse as well as the new homesites, Fleming said.
“We can always use more help unloading and sorting supplies,” Fleming said. “There’s a lot of work still to be done.”
A total of 13 homes could qualify for replacement by the relief groups, Brunson said.
JoAn Rhodes of the Whiteville office of the American Red Cross said the committee is carefully reviewing each case.
“This will only be open to homeowners, not renters,” she said. “There have been a number of organizations who want to help out.”
To volunteer at the warehouse or on a construction site, call Melody Prevatte at 642-7141, ext. 294.