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Mennonite Disaster Services/Disaster Aid Ohio added two more Selma houses to its rebuild collection Tuesday, March 26. 

Carolyn Turner and Barbara Hicks were reintroduced to their homes by Selma Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) committee chairman Jay Gilmer. Turner lives at 1920 Clinton Avenue. Hicks lives on the 1500 block of Leroy Street.

“I thank everyone for helping me get back into my home,” Turner said. 

Hicks was not able to attend because she had knee surgery last week. Her son, Henry Hicks Jr., accepted the keys from the Mennonites.

“My mother thanks everyone for getting her back into the home,” Hicks said.

The Mennonites said they enjoyed working on helping Selma recover from the Jan. 12, 2023 tornado that destroyed 40% of Selma.  Members arrived last fall and some are departing this week.

“It’s been a privilege helping the Selma community,” said Sid Yoder of the Mennonites, “The community has been supportive of us.”

The Black Belt Community Foundation, United Way, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Lutheran Disaster Response, Blue Jean Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Brown Chapel AME Church, Team Rubicon, Gospel Tabernacle and Edmundite Missions were among the several donors who assisted the homes with stoves, bedrooms, sofas, TVs and other needed equipment. 

Selma City councilman Atkin Jemison attended both home re-openings.