Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Relief Continues To Pour In After Storms

Help continues to pour in for victims of the March 1 tornadoes, which destroyed part of downtown Arkadelphia.

The Clark County Ecumenical Disaster Recovery Committee is working to find housing for those left homeless because of the tornadoes. Jeddy LeVar, a volunteer for the group said anyone with a house or apartment to rent can contact the committee and it work to find someone needing shelter.

"We're trying to be a clearing house," he said. "We want to match people with housing and help people rent homes. We'll provide transportation for those who don't have a way."

LeVar can be reached during the day at (501) 246-6394. Other numbers the CCEDRC is working at are Henderson State University, (501) 230-5240, or Superior Bank at (501) 246-2113.

Thursday, March 13, Jim Robbins, with the Salvation Army, said the agency had served more than 4,700 sandwiches to those in need and workers trying to clean up the debris.

In addition, the Salvation Army has served more than 5,600 hot meals, 600 cups of coffee, 7,000 cold drinks, passed out more than 7,100 candy bars and snacks and given more than 3,000 bottles of water and juice to the workers.

John Graham, president of the Gurdon Rotary Club, said club has opened a service unit in Gurdon, with a bank account locally for those in financial need. Donations, he said, can be made to help the disaster victims.

In addition, Graham said Rotary has an old building warehousing donations, as space for stocking items has become a valuable commodity as well.

Donations, including pieces of furniture, he said, are coming in from all over the state.

The important thing now, Graham said, is continuing to raise money and getting the items donated unloaded and into a dry place. From there, those in need are notified and the goods distributed.

But this isn't all the help tornado victims are getting from ordinary citizens. A benefit gospel singing is being held for them on March 22 at the Gurdon Middle School Auditorium at 7 p.m.

All money raised at this concert will be donated to the American Red Cross to be used to help those tornado victims in Clark County.

For more information on the concert, call (501) 353-6301.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is urging tornado victims to complete their disaster loan applications as soon as possible.

Those needing help can get assistance in filling out the forms at any Disaster Recovery Center. In Arkadelphia, a center is at Ouachita Baptist University on the fourth floor of the Harvey Jones building.

According to Raymond Chatham, with the SBA Disaster Office, more than 2,150 applications have been issued by the SBA, with 405 being returned to date.

Last week, the SBA approved requests for more than $3,300,000 in loan checks.

"While many people are beginning to receive loan funds to rebuild and replace what the tornadoes destroyed, many more have not applied," he said. "Once we get an application, we'll get you an answer quickly; usually within seven to 20 days."

The SBA can loan up to $200,000 for uninsured losses to primary residences. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 for uninsured personal property, such as household contents, clothing and automobiles.

Businesses may borrow up to $1.5 million for disaster damaged real estate, inventory, machinery and equipment.

The interest rates on these loans can be as low as 3.875 percent, with terms extending up to 30 years, depending on the borrowers ability to repay.

However, for those not qualifying for an SBA low-interest loan, Chatham said they are referred to the Individual and Family Grant Program for possible grant assistance. To be considered for one of these grants or loans, though, the individual must apply. There are no grants available for businesses.

For information on these loans and grants, call the SBA's toll-free number at 1-800-366-6303, or visit a disaster recovery center.

Those wishing to make donations to help disaster victims are encouraged to contact recognized voluntary agencies, such as the United Way, Salvation Army or local food banks before making a donation.

"Donated goods and services are welcome," David Maxwell, state coordinating office, said, "but without the coordination provided by voluntary agencies, the contributions may not get into the hands of disaster victims who need them.

"Right now, our major needs are for building supplies and cash donations."

The following are phone numbers and addresses those needing assistance can call or go to for help:

Federal Emergency Management Agency/SBA -- 1-800-462-9029;

American Red Cross -- 246-9871;

Park Hill Baptist Church, for shelter, hot meals, personal items, baby food and boxed food, 246-4802; and

Third Street Baptist Church, for hot meals and boxed food, 246-4567.

Hot meals can also be obtained at First Baptist Church at 7th and Caddo. The church is offering boxed foods as well, but the boxed goods can be picked up at 8th and Pine.

Clothing can be picked up at Goza Junior High School at 1305 Caddo, while the Salvation Army has set up shop at the First United Methodist Church at 9th and Pine.

Boxed foods can also be gotten at the Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 16th and Caddo, or by calling 246-6106.