Tornado relief fund application opens for people in Kentucky affected by May tornado

Video note: Despite this article’s time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — It’s the sad reality that survivors of natural disasters often share a common bond.

“They don’t want to see anybody suffer. And so what they do is step up and help in any way,” said Kristin Walker Collins, CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and its affiliate, the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation, are doing just that—offering a grant relief fund to residents in Laurel, Russell, and Pulaski counties impacted by the May 16 tornado.

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“It’s not going to completely rebuild someone’s life or home. But what it will do is help them get back on their track of recovery,” said Walker Collins.

FOX 56 spoke with her via Zoom on Friday afternoon to talk about this new opportunity for tornado victims.

Walker Collins told FOX 56, “We see a lot of businesses that weren’t necessarily hit by the tornado, but they were shut down for 10 or 12 days in a row because they were out helping their neighbors recover. And so what we want to do is be able to give back to the community that has suffered so much.”

Survivors can apply online by creating a login and answering a few simple questions.

While FEMA and other federally run relief groups have stepped in to help, Walker Collins told FOX 56 that her organization’s local relief efforts offer a more personal and streamlined experience.

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“One of the benefits, I think, of being local and rooted in the region is that people know us. They know the board members. They know the people in their communities and can ask them questions. We’re very approachable,” Walker Collins said.

That visibility also comes with risks—including possible fraud. But Walker Collins said there are safeguards in place to help curb potential bad actors. Walker Collins said that’s another benefit of being local.

“We can help track people down and ask additional questions of businesses. We have people that live in those communities, so they can drive by and see if a business has existed or can ask around,” Walker Collins said. “We try to balance the need of the community and getting money out quickly while also stewarding the funds that have been entrusted to us and making sure it gets to the people that need it,” Collins said.

There isn’t a set deadline to apply for the grant, but Walker Collins said the application will stay open until funds run out—so people shouldn’t wait to apply.

You can apply by clicking here.

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