Shelter from the Storm

On March 3, 2019, a tornado tore through the community of Beauregard in Opelika, Alabama. When alerted to take cover, Geraldine Reese was at home with her adult child and grandchild, both of whom were disabled. Without a storm shelter, Mrs. Reese feared for the worst. Fortunately, the storm passed, and the Reese family was unharmed, though the memory of the storm remained. Taking action, she reached out to Alabama Rural Ministry, to inquire about a wheelchair accessible storm shelter. Shelter costs were high, and public funds to support the purchase were not immediately available. In an effort to bridge the gap for the Reese family and several other people seeking shelters in the community, Alabama Rural Ministry formed a partnership with HOPE. Through the collaboration, Mrs. Reese was approved for a bridge loan to cover the cost of the shelter while waiting for federal reimbursement. The Reese family had a custom shelter built that would accommodate the whole family. “HOPE was very helpful, they made everything so easy,” said Geraldine.