By Kaitlyn Nuebel | Photo Courtesy of Church World Services

The tornado that tore through Kentucky last December caused extensive damage, killing 80 people and destroying thousands of homes. Of the numerous people impacted by the storm, immigrant and refugee families in particular had difficulty regaining a sense of normalcy.

Brother’s Brother Foundation provided a grant to Church World Services (CWS) for disaster relief in Mayfield, Kentucky, one of the cities the tornado hit hardest. BBF and CWS, provided support to refugees and immigrants who faced barriers to applying for assistance from the government. The partnership also provided support to unaccompanied children.

Sabrina and Valentina, whose names have been changed to protect their identity, lost the roof of their home and had no electricity or running water after the storm. They lost what few personal belongings they brought with them from Guatemala. Without the help of BBF and CWS, they would have been left in the dark about how to move forward. They relied on a gas stove to cook food and community members to bring them fresh water from the countryside. Once they were connected with CWS, the financial assistance they received allowed them to buy new clothes – the start of a long process to regain what was lost. BBF, in partnership with CWS, provided aid that was a critical first step on the journey to recovery.