Red Cross Discusses How the Tornado Impacted Their Efforts - WHLT 22 Connecting the Pine Belt

Red Cross Discusses How the Tornado Impacted Their Efforts

They're known for helping others, and despite suffering major tornado damage, The American Red Cross continued to help victims across the Pine Belt.

Their Hattiesburg building is a complete loss.

"We've been impacted, but we are going to be here as long as it the community needs us," said Sandra Hodge, the regional chief executive officer for the Mississippi region of the Red Cross.

Hodge said their building may be gone but not their work ethic.

"We're committed to stay in the Hattiesburg area," she said.

Hodge said they have plans for rebuilding, but they still don't know how much all of the damage will cost.

"We are still working with our insurance company," she said.

Hodge said they were all overwhelmed at first and wondered how they could continue their work.

"Now we've been impacted so how do we support our community," said Hodge.

However, she said that question was quickly answered by the people of the Pine Belt.

"We've had other faith based groups, non-governmental groups come up, schools and other affiliations," she said. "That allows us to continue the service delivery."

The only room left standing was the storm shelter.

Hodge said the Red Cross will continue to be in the area everyday until they are no longer needed.

"This will be an ongoing effort over a period of time helping our community rebuild and recover," she said.