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Mennonite Disaster Services/Disaster Aid Ohio celebrated the rebuilding of two Selma homes destroyed by a tornado last year on Monday.

The homes of Mary Holms and Rosie Reid, each on the 1500 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard, officially reopened. New sofas, refrigerators, beds, bathrooms and stoves were all installed through several donors, including the Black Belt Community Foundation, United Way, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Lutheran Disaster Response, Blue Jean Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Brown Chapel AME Church, Team Rubicon, Gospel Tabernacle and Edmundite Missions. 

Reid said he was grateful to get assistance recovering from the Jan. 12, 2023, that damaged 40% of Selma. 

“This is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Reid said. “I didn’t think I would ever recover and I thank God for them.”

Holms also expressed gratitude in helping her recover.

“My aunt opened up her house to me,” Holms said. “I haven’t been able to rest. I try to help as many people as I can.”

Selma-Dallas County United Way executive director Jeff Cothran said IP donated $100,000 to rebuilding homes and that was huge.

“I can’t do anything without the support of donors,” Cothran said.

Selma Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) committee chairman Jay Gilmer said it was a privilege to help local residents recover.

Gospel Tabernacle Pastor John E. Grayson said it has been amazing that Selma received help recovering from the tornado.