Since the tornado tore through town, good people have been doing good all around Selma. While this is great, many of the grassroots, local nonprofits that would be touch points to organize and coordinate have left or folded over the years. Leading up to the tornado, support for chronic issues, homelessness, addiction, unemployment, and other needs were not adequate. Since the tornado, teams have come in from out of town and locals are doing their best; but a clear emergency response plan has not been shared. One volunteer of a national organization told me, “It’s hard to separate the pre-tornado problems from those that resulted from the storm. But we are only here for the storm.”

That’s why Selma Do Better, Inc. started this fund. Our leadership loves Selma, lives here, has boots on the ground, and a heart to give and to serve. Do Better Inc.'s small team has non-profit and social service expertise to ensure that funds go where they should and that there is accountability for the use of your gift.

Do Better, Inc. started in 2013 with a focus on youth development. Named for Ernest Doyle’s advice to his daughter, “When you know better, you do better,” Do Better, Inc. began with a focus on youth development. And we are building on this history to meet current and future needs for Selma residents of all ages.

Although Selma, Alabama played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement with impact felt across the US, most Americans don’t know anything about Selma now – 2023. As points of comparison, I chose Pittsburgh (Do Better, Inc.’s partner city) and Prattville, AL (a small city with a pop. of 37,813 near Selma) to give a sense of Selma's demographics.

Selma is a small city, with colleges, small businesses and lots of potential. It is home to 17,625 residents (84% Black; 56% female; 18% 65+ yrs; 24% under 18 yrs; 2020 Census). Most Selmans are high school graduates (87%) with one in five having earned a college degree (19%). Economically, Selma’s median household income in 2021 was $29,656 (compared to $79,900 United States; Prattville $65,932; Pittsburgh $54,306)

Much of the damage from the tornadoes is in residential sections where wood frame houses were no match for the forces of nature. In the days following the tornado, restaurant and takeout owners are grilling and giving away plates. Truck-driving, chainsaw-wielding fellas are going yard to yard clearing neighbor’s fallen trees for a “thank you.” Kids from a local school delivered homemade cookies in ziplock bags for folks staying at hotels. But it's not enough to put a dent in the need. If you would like to help, please consider partnering with Do Better, Inc.

You can make a difference by donating today to Do Better Incorporated.