SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A coalition formed entirely of volunteers is working to help those who are struggling to rebuild after the tornado.

The Sullivan County Long-term Tornado Recovery Coalition formed in the weeks after the tornado took place.

The coalition has trained case managers to help identify individuals’ needs during recovery.
Now, Coalition Director Richard Payonk said they’re moving into the rebuilding phase.

Payonk said so much of what’s needed now are building materials, volunteers to do the building, and financial aid.

“It’s time to actually start putting shovels in the ground and constructing homes. Now, if you’ve been in the tornado area, you’ll see some homes are being built and many people had the insurance or perhaps the federal dollars that could help them do that, but now we’re getting to those who have really struggled, who have had a tough time, who may not have had insurance,” Payonk said.

The coalition will host a series of virtual forums for businesses, churches, and non-profits that can help in this rebuilding phase. These 30-minute sessions will give people a chance to hear how they can help.

The forums will take place on the following dates:

• Monday October 2 | 4 p.m.
• Thursday October 5 | 12:00 p.m.
• Tuesday October 10 |  6:00 p.m.

Representatives can click here to attend the virtual forums.