BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -
One year after the April 27 tornadoes the Salvation Army in Birmingham is once again seeing an influx of people needing help. But not they're looking for just food, shelter, and clothing. They need things like furniture and refrigerators.
The Salvation Army received about $1.4 million in donations after the April tornadoes and they still have about $466,000 of that left so they're giving storm survivors vouchers so they can purchase furniture and other household items they need.
Clyde Kennedy, who lives in Pratt City, has used the vouchers to buy furniture for his kitchen and two bedrooms. The furniture is still at will-call because crews are carpeting his floors first.
"Finally got it all in," said Kennedy. "I'm down to the basic part of it where I'm getting my carpets in each room."
Brian Wallace with the Birmingham Salvation Army says he's glad the agency is still helping storm survivors.
"Basically we help fill the gap," Wallace said. "They contact the United Way and then it goes through their system and if this organization can't help and this organization can't help them and it eventually funnels down if they need furniture to us."
Wallace says they've provided furniture vouchers to about 450 people and most of them have been within the last 6 months.
"There are a lot of people who are just now realizing they need the help and there are some people who didn't know how to ask for help," said Wallace.
Wallace says the Salvation Army's tornado relief fund is in good shape right now. The money they have should last them another two to three years. If anyone would like to make a donation, Wallace suggests earmarking it for the Salvation Army's general fund to help with daily activities.
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Clyde Kennedy, who lives in Pratt City, has used the vouchers to buy furniture. Source: WBRC video
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