Watch CBS News

North Minneapolis Comes Together In Time Of Crisis

By Reg Chapman, WCCO-TV 

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- North Minneapolis was a community in crisis after Sunday's tornado.

Many residents had no food, no lights and no water. Twenty four hours later, the community has a different feeling. Despite the loss of material things, the sense of community is stronger than ever.

"We've been standing up here with a sign asking for help and people have been helping us since 6:25 this morning," said tornado survivor Anita Kimball.

Lowry andLogan Avenues on the north side were among the areas hit hardest by Sunday's tornado. The destruction that brought this community to its knees has also sparked a sense of unity and a spirit of cooperation.

"Many of the students of color at theUniversityofMinnesotaare fromNorth Minneapolis," said Sam Ndely, volunteer and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Although he grew up in Brooklyn Park, Ndely helped organize his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma and sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta to do what they could to help.

Although the work was hard, they said it's rewarding to see people come together.

"People are giving us water people are opening their homes and you could see that love and community that exist," said Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, volunteer and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Five Points Plaza became the drop off point for supplies on Monday.

"We're fighting the barricades and we're doing everything we can to get people to get information to people," said Big Sy, KMOJ morning DJ.

The building was also used as a place for community to gather and get what they need to get by.

"This is really reassuring to see people from within the community and outside this community coming together to do whatever is necessary to help people in need," said Stu Ackerberg.

But it was in the parking lot of the Cub Foods where the community proved in a time of crisis there is no better resource than the people you call neighbor.

People can help families affected by the tornadoes by making a $10 donation over your phone.

Text "blessing" to 85944 to send money to the Salvation Army, or text "Redcross" to 90999 for the American Red Cross.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.