Organizations rally in Sikeston to support storm recovery efforts
SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI)— A full house gathered Thursday at Old Bethel Baptist Church as several organizations, including state and national emergency agencies, worked to assist residents affected by recent storm damage, meeting forming the MARC Resource Center.
Jessica Sexton, deputy preparedness division manager with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the event served as a one stop shop for residents seeking recovery support.
“It’s very hard recovering after anything such as this,” Sexton said. “Our hearts go out to everyone, and we want to do the best we can to help in the interim.”
Representatives from SEMA and other agencies provided a wide range of services to those in need, from financial assistance and debris removal to replacement of SNAP benefits and food items lost during power outages.
“This is a bit of a one-stop shop,” Sexton said. “We’re doing what we can to walk hand in hand with everyone through this difficult time.”
Resources available included essential supplies such as food, water, cleaning products, wipes, and storage totes. including items that are often overlooked in the aftermath of a disaster.
Alongside SEMA, the American Red Cross remains active in the community, offering continued support since the day the storms hit.
“The Red Cross has been here since day one,” said Michael Sullivan, executive director of the Missouri and Arkansas region for the American Red Cross. “We’ve been sheltering, providing emergency supplies, feeding, and working with our community partners and local officials to make sure we’re addressing the needs of those impacted by the recent tornado.”
Sullivan said the organization has also distributed tools to help residents clean up and repair damage to their homes and yards. Volunteers have been out in force, helping neighbors clear debris and begin recovery efforts.
“It’s a one-stop shop for resources and information to help people get back on the road to recovery,” Sullivan said. “We want to be here with our partners to provide that support and guidance.”
Sullivan encouraged anyone whose home was severely damaged or destroyed by the storm to contact the Red Cross.
“If you were impacted by this storm and received major or destroyed damage to your home, call 1-800-RED-CROSS to see if you qualify for financial assistance,” he said. “You can also visit RedCross.org to start the process or get additional information.”
As cleanup efforts continue, the Red Cross says that they’ll remain on the ground, helping families take the next step forward.
The Red Cross and other organizations are working to make sure that you and your family have the resources needed in response to storm damage.
