Oxford-Lafayette Community Launches Fund to Support Storm Recovery
Community leaders, churches, and nonprofits across Oxford and Lafayette County have launched the Oxford-Lafayette Community Assistance Fund to support residents recovering from Winter Storm Fern. The fund encourages local generosity and coordinated efforts to provide financial help to storm-impacted families, especially as federal and state aid may take time to arrive, according to organizers.
The initial focus of the assistance is on urgent storm-related needs that threaten safety and housing stability. These include electrical repairs, plumbing repairs, and tree removal or debris clearance. As needs are assessed and resources grow, additional support areas may be added.
Residents of Oxford and Lafayette County experiencing verified storm-related hardships can request aid. Assistance is managed through local churches, nonprofits, and trained case managers to ensure responsible distribution. Community members can apply for help at designated locations or online through provided links and phone numbers from February 18 to 28.
Requests are reviewed by a team led by Doors of Hope and the North Mississippi Exchange Family Center. The team verifies needs, prioritizes safety concerns, and matches eligible requests with available resources. Approved aid is often disbursed directly to vendors or service providers to ensure proper repairs.
Community members and organizations interested in contributing can do so through participating partner groups, including Oxford University United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church Oxford, First Presbyterian Church, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Additional organizations are encouraged to join the effort by contacting lead pastor Chris McAlilly.
To streamline recovery, organizers are also building a vendor network of licensed local professionals. This network aims to connect residents quickly with trusted service providers for electrical, plumbing, and hazard mitigation work. Vendors can submit their information via a dedicated online form, though participation does not guarantee work assignments.
Source: Original Article