Helping Families Rebuild After Kentucky’s Storms and Floods
Following two devastating disasters in Kentucky, our partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) helped bring stability and hope to families facing immense loss. After a violent, long-tracked tornado tore through western Kentucky in December 2021 and historic flooding inundated eastern Kentucky in July of 2022, we partnered to provide $750,000 in long-term recovery support, ensuring families could rebuild long after the emergency response ended.
In western Kentucky, the 2021 tornado caused catastrophic damage across 23 FEMA-declared counties. As rebuilding began, many families encountered unexpected costs when septic systems, previously grandfathered under older codes, were required to meet current standards—expenses often not covered by insurance. Undocumented immigrant families were especially affected, with limited access to additional assistance. Through LDR, we helped fund new, code-compliant septic systems for 25 families, allowing them to safely return home and continue rebuilding.
Just months later, historic flooding struck eastern Kentucky, claiming 39 lives and damaging nearly 3,300 homes across 13 counties. In a region where poverty rates reach as high as 40 percent, hundreds of families lacked the resources to recover. Once again, our partnership with LDR focused on unmet needs, providing critical funding for construction materials and labor to help families repair or rebuild safe, livable homes.
This work was made possible through the leadership of ELCA pastors and lay leaders across Kentucky and Indiana. Their local knowledge and trusted relationships helped ensure resources were carefully stewarded and directed to households with the greatest need—turning generosity into tangible, life-restoring impact for communities on the long road to recovery.
