They lost their home in a tornado

Arlene Hankins is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Tania And Matthew Stevens.

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Matthew and Tania Stevens, newlyweds moved into their home on First Street in Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

But,

Friday, March 24 an EF4 tornado touched down just south of town and began a path of destruction through Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Tania, Matthew and their dog, Trevor took cover in their home while the tornado destroyed most of the town. Luckily, they escaped danger and were safe, but their house was demolished.

Tania and Matthew Stevens grew up in the area and went to school at Sharkey Issaquena Academy. They were high school sweethearts. Their families have been members of First Baptist Church since Tania was a second grader. They graduated and Tania found work as a pharmacy tech and Matthew is employed as a salesman for the John Deere dealership in Rolling Fork.

Tania and Matthew got married and they applied for a loan from the local bank and were able to qualify for a small mortgage. The yellow two-story home on First Street was built in 1920 and they worked hard to furnish it.

After the disaster caused by the tornado, they applied for assistance but were denied. They do have homeowners’ insurance and it will be just enough to pay off their loan. They hope to get a new construction loan to rebuild. A second loan for $50,000 will not be enough to rebuild even a smaller, simpler home. Rebuilding costs are out of their reach. If they can't rebuild they may not be able to stay in their hometown where they grew up and stay near their family and community.