Homes dedicated to tornado survivors in Mayfield and Dawson Springs

Mayfield/ Dawson Springs, Ky (WTVQ)- Kentucky is nearing the two-year anniversary of devastating tornadoes in Western Kentucky that struck in December 2021.

This weekend, Governor Andy Beshear joined other officials to dedicate 10 new homes in Mayfield and Dawson Springs.

The homes were made possible through the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which contributed $1 million to support the homes.

“Two years ago, we saw unimaginable destruction in Western Kentucky, but we also saw that our people are unbreakable,” says Governor Beshear. “Today, we remember the 81 beloved children of God we lost that night, and we will also come together to help 10 special families move forward with new homes – places they can feel safe and make new memories together after they’ve been through so much adversity.”

More than $21.6 million has been committed from the fund to construct or repair 300 homes. To date, 154 home-building projects are completed, under construction or approved to start construction.

Launched just days after the tornadoes in December 2021, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has raised over $52.3 million, with donations from over 150,000 individuals and businesses. The money raised helped pay funeral expenses for the families of the deceased and provided assistance to survivors as well as local farmers. The remaining funds will be used to build houses. For more information and to donate, click here.

In April 2022, through nonpartisan work with the General Assembly, Gov. Beshear also established the $120 million Western Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies, or SAFE, Fund to assist with tornado recovery.