Mpls Tornado Victims Help Each Other Through Disaster
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The tornado that struck the north side of Minneapolis picked an area already struggling to overcome man-made disasters, such as crime and poverty and neglect.
While that makes the devastation worse in some ways, it also makes the neighborhood's response that much more inspiring.
At the Five Points Building on West Broadway Avenue North there has been a spontaneous outpouring of aid. A parade of people has been marching up carrying donations for tornado victims. The scene was enough to bring Lisa Wade to tears.
"It's the fact that you do have a community of people who are already suffering through despair, who are reaching into their pantries to supply for their neighbors who have had complete devastation," she said.
Wade is with Catalyst Community Partners, a non-profit group that buys and renovates commercial buildings along West Broadway to create jobs and stability. Today, however, the mission was more immediate.
"We've got children who need water, donations, diapers, wipes, food, non-perishable goods," Wade said.
Diane Washington picked up a few food items to get her household and its four children through the day. Her house, just a few blocks to the north of Broadway, is a wreck, with a massive pine tree toppled on its roof. Yet Washington helps in her way.
"I cooked on the grill last night," Washington said. "I cooked chicken for anybody that wanted to eat something."
With the power out and phone service cut to many homes, the neighborhood is listening to KMOJ Radio to learn about available relief services.
Relying on a gas generator behind the building just to stay on the air, KMOJ is also helping coordinate volunteers and donations.
For more information about donation sites, free meals, transportation to shelters and calls for volunteers, see the Tornado Resources Page.
