In February 2008, Mayor Wharton held a press conference and placed a call-to-action to the entire community to help support our citizens who had experienced great difficulty and/or devastation as a result of the storm and tornado that hit the Hickory Hill area. The call was heard and answered by many throughout Shelby County. The faith-based community was front and center in supporting this effort. Donations were received from Bethlehem Baptist Church, Breath of Life Christian Center, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, East Haven Church of Christ, Hill Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Monumental Baptist Church, Progressive Baptist Church, Ross Road Church of Christ, South Parkway E. Church of Christ, and World Overcomer's Outreach Ministries Church.
On Sunday, April 20, 2008 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Mayor Wharton will visit many of the churches who donated funds to the Tornado Relief Project to extend his appreciation on behalf of Shelby County Government. (See details above.)
A total of $234,878.96 was donated to the Shelby County Community Services Disaster Assistance Program as of April 16, 2008. Donations were received from citizens, Shelby County Government employees, corporations and faith-based organizations. Shelby County Government also contributed to this fund, bringing the total amount to $334,878.96.
Assistance is available for the following:
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rent and mortgage payments,
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utility assistance,
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minor home repairs,
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food assistance and
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special needs.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. They must be residents of Shelby County, registered with FEMA, and have proof of identification.
As of April 16, 2008 a total of 192 households had received assistance from this program. Shelby County Community Services has distributed $93,400.00 to citizens who qualified to receive these funds and continue to provide assistance to individuals affected by the tornado.
For more information or to apply for assistance, citizens should contact the Shelby County Mayor's Assistance Center at 901-545-4311.
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