With remnants of the December 10th destruction just yards away, Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear gathered with several organizations, local dignitaries, and community members as the keys to the first completed Habitat for Humanity home in Dawson Springs were handed over to a resident who lived through that frightful night.
During the Habitat for Humanity Remembrance Day Ceremony in Dawson Springs, Governor Andy Beshear said it’s important for everyone to have a home and roof over the head and that he hopes everyone affected by the tornado in western Kentucky and the Eastern Kentucky flooding continues to move forward.
He iterated it was a good day in Dawson Springs to see this new house and the progress being made in the recovery efforts on the one-year anniversary after the most deadly and devastating tornado in our history.
click to download audioHe gave a rundown of all the funds that have come in from all across the country for the Western Kentucky Relief Fund which now totals $800 million toward the rebuilding efforts.
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Knowing there are still needs for the survivors who are continuing to struggle one year later, Governor Beshear added an additional $10 million dollars from the Team Kentucky Western Kentucky Relief Fund is currently being distributed.
click to download audioHe noted all of this is made possible by the generosity from around the globe.
The keys to the first Habitat of Humanity home in Dawson Springs were handed over to Jerry Vandiver by Cara McKnight, whose family also lost their home during the tornado.
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The News Edge spoke with Vandiver who said he is thankful for the volunteers and asked that everyone continue to keep the community in their prayers.
click to download audioThe crowd also heard comments from Hopkins County Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Mayor Chris Smiley along with representatives from Habitat for Humanity, Call to Build, CrossRoads Ministry, Catholic Charities of USA, Hopkins County Long-Term Recovery Group, and Mid-Continent Steel and Wire.
