I posted on May 22 about the Joplin tornado, which destroyed the house where my mother and brother (and their eight dogs) lived. All survived.
In that thread, HeyHomie asked me to post an update about the Joplin school system. Joplin High School was destroyed in the tornado, as were several other schools (a total of 260 classrooms). Rebuilding the high school is high on the city’s “to do” list, but this cannot be completed in time for fall classes, and it’s been announced that grades 11 and 12 will be housed at an empty building at the mall, and grades 9 and 10 will be accommodated in a middle school building.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/10/us-tornado-joplin-school-idUSTRE7596W820110610
Following the tornado, there was a sense of euphoria in the city. Those who survived without losing loved ones were positively giddy, although according to my sister, you could recognize those who’d been in the swathe by what she called the “tornado shakes”. There has been an incredible outpouring of kindness and generosity from people across the nation.
Three weeks later, the glow has worn off. People are exhausted and discouraged, and they are extremely angry about the looting.
My family’s biggest need is for a new house for my mother and brother. Our bid on a wonderful house was accepted within a couple of days after the tornado. However, closing has been blocked by banks, so Mom and Bro are still homeless. First, my mother’s bank put a hold (close to two weeks) on the insurance check for the house. This was resolved – I believe because the bank became aware that they were creating a public relations disaster. Now the seller and his bank are fighting over what is still owed on the house, and this may turn into a long ugly legal battle.
Meanwhile, my brother and four of his dogs are living with my sister and her husband. My mother was in the hospital when the tornado hit. She was released this week, and fortunately, a temporary place was found for her in a nursing home. (Hospitals and nursing homes were damaged, and most care facilities are at full occupancy.) Four of my brother’s dogs have been living in cages at the animal rescue shelter, along with about 1000 other pets, for three weeks now.
There are still thousands of displaced people. It appears that many people left town to live with relatives elsewhere. This prevents them from accessing the services that are being provided – if you’re there to sign up. Some people are still staying at a temporary shelter at the local university, although it’s expected they will be moved into FEMA trailers soon.